Laser based white light system configured for communication

ABSTRACT

A communication module includes a laser driving unit (LDU) and one or more multifunction illumination units. The one or more multifunction illumination units are be coupled to the LDU with an electrical connection and configured to transmit both electrical power and data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/667,303, filed Feb. 8, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/108,550, filed Dec. 1, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/783,513, filed Feb. 6, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/719,455, filed Sep. 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

In 1960, the laser was demonstrated by Theodore H. Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu. This laser utilized a solid-state flash lamp-pumped synthetic ruby crystal to produce red laser light at 694 nm. Early visible laser technology comprised lamp pumped infrared solid-state lasers with the output wavelength converted to the visible using specialty crystals with nonlinear optical properties. For example, a green lamp pumped solid state laser had 3 stages: electricity powers lamp, lamp excites gain crystal which lases at 1064 nm, 1064 nm goes into frequency conversion crystal which converts to visible 532 nm. The resulting green and blue lasers were called “lamped pumped solid-state lasers with second harmonic generation” (LPSS with SHG) had wall plug efficiency of ˜1% and were more efficient than Ar-ion gas lasers, but were still too inefficient, large, expensive, fragile for broad deployment outside of specialty scientific and medical applications. To improve the efficiency of these visible lasers, high power diode (or semiconductor) lasers were utilized. These “diode pumped solid state lasers with SHG” (DPSS with SHG) had 3 stages: electricity powers 808 nm diode laser, 808 nm excites gain crystal, which lases at 1064 nm, 1064 nm goes into frequency conversion crystal which converts to visible 532 nm. As high-power laser diodes evolved and new specialty SHG crystals were developed, it became possible to directly convert the output of the infrared diode laser to produce blue and green laser light output. These “directly doubled diode lasers” or SHG diode lasers had 2 stages: electricity powers 1064 nm semiconductor laser, 1064 nm goes into frequency conversion crystal which converts to visible 532 nm green light. These lasers designs are meant to improve the efficiency, cost and size compared to DPSS-SHG lasers, but the specialty diodes and crystals required make this challenging today.

SUMMARY

Solid-state laser light sources, due to the narrowness of their spectra which enables efficient spectral filtering, high modulation rates, and short carrier lifetimes, smaller in size, and far greater surface brightness compared to LEDs, can be more preferable as visible light sources as a means of transmitting information with high bandwidth in many applications including lighting fixtures, lighting systems, displays, projectors and the like. Advancements of new GaN-based blue laser technology based on improved processes have substantially reduced manufacture cost and opened opportunities for utilizing the modulated laser signal and the light spot directly to measure and or interact with the surrounding environment, transmit data to other electronic systems, and respond dynamically to inputs from various sensors. Such applications are herein referred to as “smart lighting” applications to be disclosed throughout the specification herein.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, apparatuses configured with various sensor-based feedback loops integrated with gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes that may be based on a transferred gallium and nitrogen containing material laser process, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. Merely by examples, some embodiments provide remote and integrated smart laser lighting devices and methods, projection display and spatially dynamic lighting devices and methods, LIDAR, LiFi, and visible light communication devices and methods, and various combinations of above in applications of general lighting, commercial lighting and display, automotive lighting and communication, defense and security, industrial processing, and internet communications, and others.

In an aspect, some embodiments provide novel uses and configurations of gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes in communication systems such as visible light communication systems such as Li-Fi systems, communications using the convergence of lighting and display with static or dynamic spatial patterning using beam shaping elements such as MEMS scanning mirrors, and communications triggered by integrated sensor feedback. Some embodiments of this invention employ a transferred gallium and nitrogen containing material process for fabricating laser diodes or other gallium and nitrogen containing devices enabling benefits over conventional fabrication technologies.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a light source configured for visible light communication. The light source includes a controller comprising a modem and a driver. The modem is configured to receive a data signal. The controller is configured to generate one or more control signals to operate the driver to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the data signal. Additionally, the light source includes a light emitter configured as a pump-light device comprised of a gallium and nitrogen containing material and an optical cavity. The optical cavity includes an optical waveguide region and one or more facet regions. The optical cavity is configured with electrodes to supply the driving current based on at least one of the one or more control signals to the gallium and nitrogen containing material. The driving current provides an optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region. The electromagnetic radiation is outputted through at least one of the one or more facet regions as a directional electromagnetic radiation characterized by a first peak wavelength in the ultra-violet or blue wavelength regime. The directional electromagnetic radiation is modulated to carry the data signal using the modulation signal provided by the driver. The light source further includes a pathway configured to direct, filter, or split the directional electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the light source includes a wavelength converter optically coupled to the pathway to receive the directional electromagnetic radiation from the pump-light device. The wavelength converter is configured to convert at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength and to output a white-color spectrum comprising at least the second peak wavelength and partially the first peak wavelength. Moreover, the light source includes a beam shaper configured to direct the white-color spectrum for illuminating a target of interest and transmitting the data signal through at least the fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to a receiver at the target of interest.

Optionally, as used herein, the term “modem” refers to a communication device. The device can also include a variety of other data receiving and transferring devices for wireless, wired, cable, or optical communication links, and any combination thereof. In an example, the device can include a receiver with a transmitter, or a transceiver, with suitable filters and analog front ends. In an example, the device can be coupled to a wireless network such as a meshed network, including Zigbee, Zeewave, and others. In an example, the wireless network can be based upon a 802.11 wireless standard or equivalents. In an example, the wireless device can also interface to telecommunication networks, such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and others. In an example, the device can interface into a physical layer such as Ethernet or others. The device can also interface with an optical communication including a laser coupled to a drive device or an amplifier. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

Optionally, the output of the driver includes at least a driving current for controlling an intensity of the directional electromagnetic radiation emitted from the pump-light device and a modulation signal of a pre-defined format based on either amplitude modulation or frequency modulation based on the data signal.

Optionally, the directional electromagnetic radiation includes multiple pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range selected from about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz, and 1 GHz to 100 GHz based on the data signal.

Optionally, the white-color spectrum includes the multiple pulse-modulated light signals modulated based on the data signal carried by at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation from the light emitter.

Optionally, the beam shaper includes a plurality of color-specific optical elements for independently manipulating the predominantly red spectrum, the predominantly green spectrum, and the predominantly blue spectrum for transmitting to different targets of interests carrying different streams of the data signal for different receivers.

Optionally, the beam shaper is configured to direct the white-color spectrum as an illumination source for illuminating the target of interest along a preferred direction.

Optionally, the light source includes a beam steering device wherein the beam steering device is configured to direct the white-color spectrum for dynamically scanning a spatial range around the target of interest.

Optionally, the receiver at the target of interest comprises a photodiode, avalanche photodiode, photomultiplier tube, and one or more band-pass filters to detect pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 100 GHz, the receiver being coupled to a modem configured to decode the light signals into binary data.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an integrated light source for communication and dynamic spatial illumination. The integrated light source includes a modem configured for receiving data signals and a laser modulation driver coupled to the modem to generate a driving current and provide a modulation format based on the data signals. Additionally, the integrated light source includes a laser device driven by the driving current to emit a laser light with a first peak wavelength modulated according to the modulation format. The integrated light source further includes an optical pathway for guiding the laser light. Furthermore, the integrated light source includes a wavelength converting element configured to couple with the optical pathway to receive the laser light with a first peak wavelength and reemit a white-color light excited by converting a fraction of the laser light with the first peak wavelength to a spectrum with a second peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength and combining the fraction of fraction of the laser light with a first peak wavelength and the spectrum with the second peak wavelength. The white-color light carries the data signal in the modulation format. Moreover, the integrated light source includes a beam shaping optical element configured to collimate the white-color light and a beam steering optical element configured to receive one or more voltage and current signals generated by a beam steering driver based on input information to dynamically scan the white-color light to provide patterned illuminations to multiple areas and simultaneously transmit the data signals to different receivers at the multiple areas.

Optionally, the modulation format based on the data signal includes one selected from double-sideband modulation (DSB), double-sideband modulation with carrier (DSB-WC), double-sideband suppressed-carrier transmission (DSB-SC), double-sideband reduced carrier transmission (DSB-RC), single-sideband modulation (SSB, or SSB-AM), single-sideband modulation with carrier (SSB-WC), single-sideband modulation suppressed carrier modulation (SSB-SC), vestigial sideband modulation (VSB, or VSB-AM), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), continuous phase modulation (CPM), minimum-shift keying (MSK), Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK), continuous-phase frequency-shift keying (CPFSK), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), and discrete multitone (DMT).

Optionally, the integrated light source further includes a housing having an aperture for dynamically outputting the white-color light. The housing is configured to have a common submount to support at least the laser device, the wavelength converting element, and the beam steering optical element. The housing includes one of a TO canister package, a butterfly package, a chip and phosphor on submount (CPoS) package, a surface mount device (SMD) type package.

In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dynamic light source with color and brightness control for visible light communication. The dynamic light source includes a modem configured to receive digital information for communication and a laser driver configured to generate one or more driving currents and a modulation signal based on the digital information. Additionally, the dynamic light source includes a laser device configured to be driven by the one or more driving currents to emit at lease a first laser beam with a first peak wavelength in a color range of violet or blue spectrum and a second laser beam with a second peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength. At least one of the first laser beam and the second laser beam is modulated by the modulation signal to carry the digital information. The dynamic light source further includes a beam shaping optical element configured to collimate, focus, and dynamically direct the first laser beam and the second laser beam respectively through a pathway. Furthermore, the dynamic light source includes a wavelength converting member configured to receive either the first laser beam or the second laser beam from the pathway and configured to convert a first fraction of the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength to a first spectrum with a third peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength or convert a second fraction of the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength to a second spectrum with a fourth peak wavelength longer than the second peak wavelength. The first spectrum and the second spectrum respectively combine with remaining fraction of the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength and the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength to reemit an output light beam of a broader spectrum dynamically varied from a first color point to a second color point. The dynamic light source further includes a beam steering optical element configured to spatially direct the output light beam. Moreover, the dynamic light source includes a beam steering driver configured to generate control signals based on input information for the beam steering optical element to dynamically scan the output light beam to provide spatially modulated illumination with dynamically varied color point onto one or more of multiple target areas or into one or more of multiple target directions in one or more selected periods while simultaneously transmit digital information to a receiver in one or more of multiple target areas or one or more of multiple target directions in one or more selected periods.

In still another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a smart light source configured for visible light communication. The smart light source includes a controller comprising a modem and a driver. The modem is configured to receive data signal and operate the driver to generate a driving current and a modulation signal. Additionally, the smart light source includes a light emitter configured as a pump-light device comprised of a gallium and nitrogen containing material and an optical cavity comprising an optical waveguide region and one or more facet regions. The optical cavity is configured with electrodes to supply the driving current from the driver to the gallium and nitrogen containing material to provide optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region and output a directional electromagnetic radiation through at least one of the one or more facet regions. The directional electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a first peak wavelength in the ultra-violet or blue wavelength regime and modulated to carry the data signal using the modulation signal by the controller. The smart light source further includes a wavelength converter optically coupled to the directional electromagnetic radiation from the pump-light device, wherein the wavelength converter is configured to convert at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength and to output a white-color spectrum comprising at least the second peak wavelength and partially the first peak wavelength. Furthermore, the smart light source includes a beam shaper configured to collimate and focus a beam of the white-color spectrum to a certain direction or a certain focal point. The smart light source further includes a beam steering element configured to manipulate the beam of the white-color spectrum for illuminating a target of interest and transmitting the data signal through at least the fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to a receiver at the target of interest. Moreover, the smart light source includes one or more sensors being configured in a feedback loop circuit coupled to the controller. The one or more sensors are configured to provide one or more feedback currents or voltages based on the various parameters associated with the target of interest detected in real time to the controller with one or more of light movement response, light color response, light brightness response, spatial light pattern response, and data signal communication response being triggered.

Optionally, the one or more sensors include one or a combination of multiple of sensors selected from microphone, geophone, motion sensor, radio-frequency identification (RFID) receivers, hydrophone, chemical sensors including a hydrogen sensor, CO₂ sensor, or electronic nose sensor, flow sensor, water meter, gas meter, Geiger counter, altimeter, airspeed sensor, speed sensor, range finder, piezoelectric sensor, gyroscope, inertial sensor, accelerometer, MEMS sensor, Hall effect sensor, metal detector, voltage detector, photoelectric sensor, photodetector, photoresistor, pressure sensor, strain gauge, thermistor, thermocouple, pyrometer, temperature gauge, motion detector, passive infrared sensor, Doppler sensor, biosensor, capacitance sensor, video cameras, transducer, image sensor, infrared sensor, radar, SONAR, LIDAR.

Optionally, the one or more sensors is configured in the feedback loop circuit to provide feedback current or voltage to tune a control signal for operating the driver to adjust brightness and color of the directional electromagnetic radiation from the light-emitter.

Optionally, the one or more sensors is configured in the feedback loop circuit to provide feedback current or voltage to tune a control signal for operating the beam steering optical element to adjust a spatial position and pattern illuminated by the beam of the white-color spectrum.

Optionally, the one or more sensors is configured in the feedback loop circuit to send feedback current or voltage back to the controller to change the driving current and the modulation signal for changing the data signal to be communicated through at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation modulated by the modulation signal.

Optionally, each of the first receiver and the second receiver comprises a photodiode, avalanche photodiode, photomultiplier tube, and one or more band-pass filters to detect pulse-modulated light signals and is coupled to a modem configured to decode the light signals into binary data.

In accordance with an embodiment, a communication module configured for white light illumination and communication includes a laser driving unit (LDU) and one or more multifunction illumination units each electrically coupled to the LDU with an electrical connection and configured to transmit both electrical power and data, each of the one or more multifunction illumination units comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a first peak wavelength; a wavelength converter configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength and convert at least a fraction of the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength, and to generate the white light illumination comprising at least the second peak wavelength; an infrared (IR) laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a third peak wavelength; and a laser driver coupled to the IR laser diode and configured to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the data, wherein each of the one or more multifunction illumination units are configured to transmit the data over an IR channel using the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the third peak wavelength.

In an embodiment, the first peak wavelength is in a violet or blue wavelength range of between about 400 nm to 480 nm.

In another embodiment, the third peak wavelength is in an IR wavelength range of between about 700 nm to 1100 nm, about 1100 nm to 2500 nm, or about 2500 nm to 15000 nm.

In another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units are configured to use the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength to transmit the data.

In another embodiment, the IR laser diode is indium and phosphor containing or gallium and arsenic containing.

In another embodiment, each of the one or more multifunction illumination units are also configured for at least one of sensing, LIDAR, IR illumination, night vision, or sterilization applications.

In another embodiment, the IR laser diode is also configured for at least one of sensing, LIDAR, or sterilization applications.

In another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units are also configured for at least one of depth sensing, object sensing, motion sensing, or occupancy sensing.

In another embodiment, the LDU is coupled to a power source and configured to provide power over ethernet (PoE) to the one or more multifunction illumination units.

In yet another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units also include an optical receiver comprising a photodiode configured to receive optical signals and convert the optical signals into electrical signals.

In accordance with another embodiment, a communication module configured for white light illumination and communication includes an LDU and one or more multifunction illumination units electrically coupled to the LDU with an electrical connection formed with PoE and configured to transmit both electrical power and data, each of the one or more multifunction illumination units comprising a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode and a wavelength converter, and each of the one or more multifunction illumination units configured to provide the white light illumination and to transmit the data.

In an embodiment, the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode comprises an optical cavity with an optical waveguide region and one or more facet regions, and the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode is configured to output directional electromagnetic radiation that is characterized by a first peak wavelength through at least one of the one or more facet regions, and the wavelength converter is arranged to receive the directional electromagnetic radiation and configured to convert at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength and to generate the white light illumination comprising at least the second peak wavelength.

In another embodiment, the first peak wavelength is in a violet or blue wavelength range of between about 400 nm to 480 nm.

In another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units are configured to use the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode to transmit the data.

In another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units are configured to provide at least one of sensing, LIDAR, or sterilization applications.

In another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units also configured to provide at least one of depth sensing, object sensing, motion sensing, or occupancy sensing.

In another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units also include an IR emitting laser diode configured to output an electromagnetic radiation characterized by a peak wavelength in the IR region, and wherein the plurality of multifunction illumination units are configured to use the IR emitting laser diode to transmit the data.

In another embodiment, the wavelength converter is a phosphor.

In yet another embodiment, the one or more multifunction illumination units also include an optical receiver comprising a photodiode configured to receive optical signals and convert the optical signals into electrical signals.

In accordance with another embodiment, a communication module configured for white light illumination and communication includes a laser driving unit (LDU); one or more multifunction modules each electrically coupled to the LDU with an electrical connection and configured to transmit both electrical power and data, each of the one or more multifunction modules comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a first peak wavelength; a wavelength converter configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength and convert at least a fraction of the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength, and to generate the white light illumination comprising at least the second peak wavelength; and an infrared (IR) laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a third peak wavelength. The communication module also includes one or more illumination units optically coupled to each of the one or more multifunction modules by a waveguide, the one or more illumination units configured to emit the white light illumination and transmit the data over an IR channel using the electromagnetic radiation characterized by a third peak wavelength.

In an embodiment, the waveguide is a fiber or fiber bundle, and the one or more illumination units are located remote from the one or more multifunction modules.

In another embodiment, the one or more illumination units each include a receiver configured to receive optical signals and transmit the optical signals to the multifunction modules, the multifunction modules configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a laser based white light system configured for illumination and communication includes a laser driving unit (LDU) having a network switch; a plurality of multifunction illumination units coupled to the LDU, each of the plurality of multifunction illumination units having a first laser source and a first detector, the first laser source including at least one first laser diode device comprising gallium and nitrogen and configured to provide white light illumination, and at least one second laser diode device configured to provide first optical signals, wherein the LDU is coupled to a network and configured to receive downlink data over the network and the network switch is configured to direct the downlink data to the plurality of multifunction illumination units, and the plurality of multifunction illumination units are configured to convert the downlink data to the first optical signals and emit the white light illumination and the first optical signals; and a plurality of transceivers each having a second laser source and a second detector, the second laser source including at least one third laser diode device configured to provide second optical signals at the IR wavelength, wherein the second detector of each transceiver is configured to receive the first optical signals from at least one of the plurality of multifunction illumination units and convert the first optical signals to the downlink data and provide the downlink data to a respective electronic device, and each transceiver is configured to receive uplink data from the respective electronic device and convert the uplink data to second optical signals and emit the second optical signals; wherein the first detector of each of the plurality of multifunction illumination units is configured to receive the second optical signals from at least one of the plurality of transceivers and convert the second optical signals to the uplink data and provide the uplink data to the network switch, and the network switch is configured to provide the uplink data to the network.

In an embodiment, the second laser diode device is gallium and nitrogen containing and configured to emit in a violet or blue wavelength range of between 400 nm to 480 nm.

In another embodiment, the second laser diode device is configured to provide the first optical signals in an infrared (IR) wavelength range of between about 700 nm to 1100 nm, about 1100 nm to 2500 nm, or about 2500 nm to 15000 nm.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of transceivers includes a USB connector for coupling with the respective electronic device.

In another embodiment, the first optical signals and the second optical signals have different center emission wavelengths.

In another embodiment, the first optical signals are provided at different center emission wavelengths to provide multiple communication channels with one of the plurality of transceivers.

In another embodiment, the first optical signals are provided at different center emission wavelengths to provide multiple communication channels with multiple ones of the plurality of transceivers.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of multifunction illumination units is configured to generate one or more control signals to operate a driver to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the downlink data.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of transceivers is configured to generate one or more control signals to operate a driver to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the uplink data.

In another embodiment, the at least one second gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode device is includes an optical cavity comprising an optical waveguide region and one or more facet regions, wherein the optical cavity is configured with electrodes to supply a driving current based on control signals, wherein the driving current provides an optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is outputted through at least one of the one or more facet regions as a directional electromagnetic radiation, wherein the directional electromagnetic radiation is modulated to carry the first optical signals using a modulation signal provided by the driver.

In yet another embodiment, the system is integrated with an airplane, bus, train, car, home, or office.

Merely by way of example, the present invention can be applied to applications such as white or infrared lighting, white or infrared spot lighting, general lighting, specialty lighting, dynamic lighting, smart lighting, flash lights, automobile headlights, automobile interior lighting, automobile position lighting and any lighting function, mobile machine lighting such as autonomous machine lighting and drone lighting, all-terrain vehicle lighting, light, sensing or communication systems, navigation systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous or semi-autonomous mobile machines and robots, sources used in recreational sports such as biking, surfing, running, racing, boating, light sources used for drones, planes, robots, other mobile or robotic applications, safety, counter measures in defense applications, multi-colored lighting, lighting for flat panels, medical applications including cancer treatment or ablation or cosmetic surgery, metrology and measurement applications, beam projectors and other display devices and systems, frequency doubling systems such as second harmonic generation (SHG) systems, SHG systems combined with nonlinear crystals like barium borate (BBO) for producing wavelengths in the 200 nm to 400 nm range, wearable displays, augmented reality systems, mixed reality systems, virtual reality systems, high intensity lamps, spectroscopy, entertainment, theater, music, and concerts, analysis fraud detection and/or authenticating, tools, purification, sterilization, anti-virus, anti-bacterial, water treatment, security systems, laser dazzlers, targeting, communications, LiFi, visible light communications (VLC), sensing, detecting, distance detecting, Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR), smart infrastructure such as smart factories or smart homes, transformations, transportations, leveling, curing and other chemical treatments, heating, cutting and/or ablating, welding, marking, laser direct imaging, pumping other optical devices, other optoelectronic devices and related applications, storage systems, quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum storage, and source lighting and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following drawings are merely examples for illustrative purposes according to various disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a laser diode formed on a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate with the cavity aligned in a direction ended with cleaved or etched mirrors according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a laser device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a CoS based on lifted off and transferred epitaxial gallium and nitrogen containing layers according to an embodiment of this present invention.

FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a blue pump laser and a wavelength converting element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing multiple blue pump lasers and a wavelength converting element according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a functional block diagram of a laser based white light source containing a blue pump laser, a wavelength converting element, and red and green laser diodes according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4D is a functional block diagram of a laser based white light source containing blue, green and red laser devices and no wavelength converting element according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic of an enclosed free space laser module according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic of an enclosed free space multi-chip laser module with an extended delivery fiber plus phosphor converter according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a laser based white light source operating in reflection mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a laser based white light source operating in reflection mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a laser based white light source operating in reflection mode in a surface mount package according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a laser based white light source operating in reflection mode in a surface mount package according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of a laser based white light source operating with side-pumped phosphor in a surface mount package according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a functional block diagram of a laser based white light source enabled for visible light communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a functional block diagram of a laser based white light source enabled for visible light communication according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a functional block diagram for a dynamic light source according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a schematic of an enclosed dynamic light source with a beam steering element according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of using a white laser light source based on blue laser as projected light for visible light communication according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a functional block diagram for a laser based smart-lighting system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a functional diagram for a dynamic, laser based smart-lighting system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a schematic representation of a use case for some embodiments of the present invention where the apparatus is integrated with an untethered, unmanned aerial vehicle or drone.

FIG. 12B is a schematic representation of a use case for some embodiments of the present invention where the apparatus is integrated with a tethered balloon, tethered lighter than aircraft, or tethered unmanned aerial vehicle or drone.

FIGS. 12C and 12D show a schematic representation of a use case for some embodiments of the present invention where the apparatus is integrated with a tethered balloon, tethered or untethered lighter than aircraft, or tethered or untethered unmanned aerial vehicle or drone. Multiple aerial platforms are used to provide continuous lighting and visible light communication over an area.

FIG. 13A is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source integrated with an IR illumination source containing a UV or blue pump laser, a visible wavelength converting element, and an IR emitting laser diode according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source integrated with an IR illumination source containing a UV or blue pump laser, a visible emitting phosphor member, and an IR emitting laser diode according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source integrated with an IR illumination source containing a UV or blue pump laser, a red or near-IR emitting laser diode, a visible light emitting phosphor member, and a IR emitting phosphor member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source integrated with an IR illumination source containing a UV or blue pump laser diode, a beam steering element, a visible light emitting phosphor member, and an IR emitting phosphor member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source integrated with an IR illumination source containing a UV or blue pump laser diode and a phosphor member configured for both visible light emission and IR emission according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source integrated with an IR illumination source containing a UV or blue pump laser, a red or near-IR emitting laser diode, and a phosphor member configured for both visible light emission and IR emission according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 17-18 are simplified block diagrams of laser based white light systems configured for communications in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram of a multifunction illumination unit in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a simplified diagram of a LiFi communications system in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a simplified block diagram of a dongle transceiver in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system implemented in a home in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, apparatuses configured with various sensor-based feedback loops integrated with gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes based on a transferred gallium and nitrogen containing material laser process, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. Merely by examples, some embodiments provide remote and integrated smart laser lighting devices and methods, projection display and spatially dynamic lighting devices and methods, LIDAR, LiFi, and visible light communication devices and methods, and various combinations of above in applications of general lighting, commercial lighting and display, automotive lighting and communication, defense and security, industrial processing, and internet communications, and others.

In various embodiments, a laser device and phosphor device are co-packaged or mounted on a common support member with or without intermediate submounts and the phosphor materials are operated in a transmissive mode, a reflective mode, or a side-pumped mode to result in a white emitting laser based light source. In additional various embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation from the laser device is remotely coupled to the phosphor device through means such as free space coupling or coupling with a waveguide such as a fiber optic cable or other solid waveguiding material, and wherein the phosphor materials are operated in a transmissive mode, a reflective mode, or a side-pumped mode to result in a white emitting laser based light source. Merely by way of example, the invention can be applied to applications such as white lighting, white spot lighting, flash lights, automobile headlights, all-terrain vehicle lighting, flash sources such as camera flashes, light sources used in recreational sports such as biking, surfing, running, racing, boating, light sources used for drones, planes, robots, other mobile or robotic applications, safety, counter measures in defense applications, multi-colored lighting, lighting for flat panels, medical, metrology, beam projectors and other displays, high intensity lamps, spectroscopy, entertainment, theater, music, and concerts, analysis fraud detection and/or authenticating, tools, water treatment, laser dazzlers, targeting, communications, LiFi, visible light communications (VLC), sensing, detecting, distance detecting, Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR), transformations, transportations, leveling, curing and other chemical treatments, heating, cutting and/or ablating, pumping other optical devices, other optoelectronic devices and related applications, and source lighting and the like.

In some embodiments according to the present invention, multiple laser diode sources are configured to be excite the same phosphor or phosphor network. Combining multiple laser sources can offer many potential benefits according to this invention. First, the excitation power can be increased by beam combining to provide a more powerful excitation spit and hence produce a brighter light source. In some embodiments, separate individual laser chips are configured within the laser-phosphor light source. By including multiple lasers emitting 1 W, 2 W, 3 W, 4 W, 5 W or more power each, the excitation power can be increased and hence the source brightness would be increased. For example, by including two 3 W lasers exciting the same phosphor area, the excitation power can be increased to 6 W for double the white light brightness. In an example where about 200 lumens of white are generated per 1 watt of laser excitation power, the white light output would be increased from 600 lumens to 1200 lumens. Beyond scaling the power of each single laser diode emitter, the total luminous flux of the white light source can be increased by continuing to increase the total number of laser diodes, which can range from 10s, to 100s, and even to 1000s of laser diode emitters resulting in 10s to 100s of kW of laser diode excitation power. Scaling the number of laser diode emitters can be accomplished in many ways such as including multiple lasers in a co-package, spatial beam combining through conventional refractive optics or polarization combining, and others. Moreover, laser diode bars or arrays, and mini bars can be utilized where each laser chip includes many adjacent laser diode emitters. For example, a bar could include from 2 to 100 laser diode emitters spaced from about 10 microns to about 400 microns apart. Similarly, the reliability of the source can be increased by using multiple sources at lower drive conditions to achieve the same excitation power as a single source driven at more harsh conditions such as higher current and voltage.

A additional advantage of combining the emission from multiple laser diode emitters is the potential for a more circular spot by rotating the first free space diverging elliptical laser beam by 90 degrees relative to the second free space diverging elliptical laser beam and overlapping the centered ellipses on the phosphor. Alternatively, a more circular spot can be achieved by rotating the first free space diverging elliptical laser beam by 180 degrees relative to the second free space diverging elliptical laser beam and off centered overlapping the ellipses on the phosphor to increase spot diameter in slow axis diverging direction. In another configuration, more than 2 lasers are included and some combination of the above-described beam shaping spot geometry shaping is achieved. A third and important advantage is that multiple color lasers in an emitting device can significantly improve color quality (CRI and CQS) by improving the fill of the spectra in the violet/blue and cyan region of the visible spectrum. For example, two or more blue excitation lasers with slightly detuned wavelengths (e.g. 5 nm, 10 nm, 15 nm, etc.) can be included to excite a yellow phosphor and create a larger blue spectrum.

As used herein, the term GaN substrate is associated with Group III-nitride based materials including GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or other Group III containing alloys or compositions that are used as starting materials. Such starting materials include polar GaN substrates (i.e., substrate where the largest area surface is nominally an (h k l) plane wherein h=k=0, and l is non-zero), non-polar GaN substrates (i.e., substrate material where the largest area surface is oriented at an angle ranging from about 80-100 degrees from the polar orientation described above towards an (h k l) plane wherein l=0, and at least one of h and k is non-zero) or semi-polar GaN substrates (i.e., substrate material where the largest area surface is oriented at an angle ranging from about +0.1 to 80 degrees or 110-179.9 degrees from the polar orientation described above towards an (h k l) plane wherein l=0, and at least one of h and k is non-zero). Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

The laser diode device can be fabricated on a conventional orientation of a gallium and nitrogen containing film or substrate (e.g., GaN) such as the polar c-plane, on a nonpolar orientation such as the m-plane, or on a semipolar orientation such as the {30-31}, {20-21}, {30-32}, {11-22}, {10-11}, {30-3-1}, {20-2-1}, {30-3-2}, or offcuts of any of these polar, nonpolar, and semipolar planes within +/−10 degrees towards a c-plane, and/or +/−10 degrees towards an a-plane, and/or +/−10 degrees towards an m-plane. In some embodiments, a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode laser diode includes a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate. The substrate member may have a surface region on the polar {0001} plane (c-plane), nonpolar plane (m-plane, a-plane), and semipolar plain ({11-22}, {10-1-1}, {20-21}, {30-31}) or other planes of a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate. The laser device can be configured to emit a laser beam characterized by one or more wavelengths from about 390 nm to about 540 nm.

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a laser diode formed on a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate with the cavity aligned in a direction ended with cleaved or etched mirrors according to some embodiments of the present invention. In an example, the substrate surface 101 is a polar c-plane and the laser stripe region 110 is characterized by a cavity orientation substantially in an m-direction 10, which is substantially normal to an a-direction 20 but can be others such as cavity alignment substantially in the a-direction. The laser strip region 110 has a first end 107 and a second end 109 and is formed on an m-direction on a {0001} gallium and nitrogen containing substrate having a pair of cleaved or etched mirror structures, which face each other. In another example, the substrate surface 101 is a semipolar plane and the laser stripe region 110 is characterized by a cavity orientation substantially in a projection of a c-direction 10, which is substantially normal to an a-direction 20 but can be others such as cavity alignment substantially in the a-direction. The laser strip region 110 has a first end 107 and a second end 109 and is formed on a semipolar substrate such as a {40-41}, {30-31}, {20-21}, {40-4-1}, {30-3-1}, {20-2-1}, {20-21}, or an offcut of these planes within +/−5 degrees from the c-plane and a-plane gallium and nitrogen containing substrate. Optionally, the gallium nitride substrate member is a bulk GaN substrate characterized by having a nonpolar or semipolar crystalline surface region but can be others. The bulk GaN substrate may have a surface dislocation density below 10⁵ cm⁻² or 10⁵ to 10⁷ cm⁻². The nitride crystal or wafer may include Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-x-y)N, where 0≤x, y, x+y≤1. In one specific embodiment, the nitride crystal includes GaN. In an embodiment, the GaN substrate has threading dislocations, at a concentration between about 10⁵ cm⁻² and about 10⁸ cm⁻², in a direction that is substantially orthogonal or oblique with respect to the surface.

The exemplary laser diode devices in FIG. 1 have a pair of cleaved or etched mirror structures 109 and 107, which face each other. The first cleaved or etched facet 109 includes a reflective coating and the second cleaved or etched facet 107 includes no coating, an antireflective coating, or exposes gallium and nitrogen containing material. The first cleaved or etched facet 109 is substantially parallel with the second cleaved or etched facet 107. The first and second cleaved facets 109 and 107 are provided by a scribing and breaking process according to an embodiment or alternatively by etching techniques using etching technologies such as reactive ion etching (RIE), inductively coupled plasma etching (ICP), or chemical assisted ion beam etching (CAME), or other method. The reflective coating is selected from silicon dioxide, hafnia, and titania, tantalum pentoxide, zirconia, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, and aluminum oxynitride including combinations, and the like. Depending upon the design, the mirror surfaces can also include an anti-reflective coating.

The laser stripe region 110 is characterized by a length and width. The length ranges from about 50 μm to about 3000 μm, but is preferably between about 10 μm and about 400 μm, between about 400 μm and about 800 μm, or about 800 μm and about 1600 μm, but could be others. The stripe also has a width ranging from about 0.5 μm to about 50 μm, but is preferably between about 0.8 μm and about 2.5 μm for single lateral mode operation or between about 2.5 μm and about 50 μm for multi-lateral mode operation, but can be other dimensions. In a specific embodiment, the present device has a width ranging from about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm, a width ranging from about 1.5 μm to about 3.0 μm, a width ranging from about 3.0 μm to about 50 μm, and others. In a specific embodiment, the width is substantially constant in dimension, although there may be slight variations. The width and length are often formed using a masking and etching process, which are commonly used in the art.

The laser stripe region 110 is provided by an etching process selected from dry etching or wet etching. The device also has an overlying dielectric region, which exposes a p-type contact region. Overlying the contact region is a contact material, which may be metal or a conductive oxide or a combination thereof. The p-type electrical contact may be deposited by thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation, electroplating, sputtering, or another suitable technique. Overlying the polished region of the substrate is a second contact material, which may be metal or a conductive oxide or a combination thereof and which includes the n-type electrical contact. The n-type electrical contact may be deposited by thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation, electroplating, sputtering, or another suitable technique.

In a specific embodiment on a nonpolar Ga-containing substrate, the device is characterized by a spontaneously emitted light is polarized in substantially perpendicular to the c-direction. In a preferred embodiment, the spontaneously emitted light is characterized by a polarization ratio of greater than 0.1 to about 1 perpendicular to the c-direction. In a preferred embodiment, the spontaneously emitted light characterized by a wavelength ranging from about 430 nanometers to about 470 nm to yield a blue emission, or about 500 nanometers to about 540 nanometers to yield a green emission, and others. For example, the spontaneously emitted light can be violet (e.g., 395 to 420 nanometers), blue (e.g., 420 to 470 nm); green (e.g., 500 to 540 nm), or others. In a preferred embodiment, the spontaneously emitted light is highly polarized and is characterized by a polarization ratio of greater than 0.4. In another specific embodiment on a semipolar {20-21} Ga-containing substrate, the device is also characterized by a spontaneously emitted light is polarized in substantially parallel to the a-direction or perpendicular to the cavity direction, which is oriented in the projection of the c-direction.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an alternative device structure capable of emitting 501 nm and greater light in a ridge laser embodiment. The device is provided with the following epitaxially grown elements:

-   -   an n-GaN or n-AlGaN cladding layer with a thickness from 100 nm         to 3000 nm with Si doping level of 5×10¹⁷ cm⁻³ to 3×10¹⁸ cm⁻³;     -   an n-side SCH layer comprised of InGaN with molar fraction of         indium of between 2% and 15% and thickness from 20 nm to 250 nm;     -   a single quantum well or a multiple quantum well active region         comprised of at least two 2.0 nm to 8.5 nm InGaN quantum wells         separated by 1.5 nm and greater, and optionally up to about 12         nm, GaN or InGaN barriers;     -   a p-side SCH layer comprised of InGaN with molar a fraction of         indium of between 1% and 10% and a thickness from 15 nm to 250         nm or an upper GaN-guide layer;     -   an electron blocking layer comprised of AlGaN with molar         fraction of aluminum of between 0% and 22% and thickness from 5         nm to 20 nm and doped with Mg;     -   a p-GaN or p-AlGaN cladding layer with a thickness from 400 nm         to 1500 nm with Mg doping level of 2×10¹⁷ cm⁻³ to 2×10¹⁹ cm-3;         and     -   a p++-GaN contact layer with a thickness from 20 nm to 40 nm         with Mg doping level of 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³ to 1×10²¹ cm⁻³.

A gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode laser device may also include other structures, such as a surface ridge architecture, a buried heterostructure architecture, and/or a plurality of metal electrodes for selectively exciting the active region. For example, the active region may include first and second gallium and nitrogen containing cladding layers and an indium and gallium containing emitting layer positioned between the first and second cladding layers. A laser device may further include an n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material and an n-type cladding material overlying the n-type gallium and nitrogen containing material. In a specific embodiment, the device also has an overlying n-type gallium nitride layer, an active region, and an overlying p-type gallium nitride layer structured as a laser stripe region. Additionally, the device may also include an n-side separate confinement hetereostructure (SCH), p-side guiding layer or SCH, p-AlGaN EBL, among other features. In a specific embodiment, the device also has a p++ type gallium nitride material to form a contact region. In a specific embodiment, the p++ type contact region has a suitable thickness and may range from about 10 nm 50 nm, or other thicknesses. In a specific embodiment, the doping level can be higher than the p-type cladding region and/or bulk region. In a specific embodiment, the p++ type region has doping concentration ranging from about 10¹⁹ to 10²¹ Mg/am³, and others. The p++ type region preferably causes tunneling between the semiconductor region and overlying metal contact region. In a specific embodiment, each of these regions is formed using at least an epitaxial deposition technique of metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), or other epitaxial growth techniques suitable for GaN growth. In a specific embodiment, the epitaxial layer is a high-quality epitaxial layer overlying the n-type gallium nitride layer. In some embodiments the high-quality layer is doped, for example, with Si or O to form n-type material, with a dopant concentration between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²⁰ cm⁻³.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a laser device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the laser device includes gallium nitride substrate 203, which has an underlying n-type metal back contact region 201. For example, the substrate 203 may be characterized by a semipolar or nonpolar orientation. The device also has an overlying n-type gallium nitride layer 205, an active region 207, and an overlying p-type gallium nitride layer structured as a laser stripe region 209. Each of these regions is formed using at least an epitaxial deposition technique of MOCVD, MBE, or other epitaxial growth techniques suitable for GaN growth. The epitaxial layer is a high-quality epitaxial layer overlying the n-type gallium nitride layer. In some embodiments the high-quality layer is doped, for example, with Si or O to form n-type material, with a dopant concentration between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²⁰ cm⁻³.

An n-type Al_(u)In_(v)Ga_(1-u-v)N layer, where 0≤u, v, u+v≤1, is deposited on the substrate. The carrier concentration may lie in the range between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²⁰ cm⁻³. The deposition may be performed using MOCVD or MBE.

For example, the bulk GaN substrate is placed on a susceptor in an MOCVD reactor. After closing, evacuating, and back-filling the reactor (or using a load lock configuration) to atmospheric pressure, the susceptor is heated to a temperature between about 1000 and about 1200 degrees Celsius in the presence of a nitrogen-containing gas. The susceptor is heated to approximately 900 to 1200 degrees Celsius under flowing ammonia. A flow of a gallium-containing metalorganic precursor, such as trimethylgallium (TMG) or triethylgallium (TEG) is initiated, in a carrier gas, at a total rate between approximately 1 and 50 standard cubic centimeters per minute (sccm). The carrier gas may include hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, or argon. The ratio of the flow rate of the group V precursor (ammonia) to that of the group III precursor (trimethylgallium, triethylgallium, trimethylindium, trimethylaluminum) during growth is between about 2000 and about 12000. A flow of disilane in a carrier gas, with a total flow rate of between about 0.1 sccm and 10 sccm, is initiated.

In one embodiment, the laser stripe region is p-type gallium nitride layer 209. The laser stripe is provided by a dry etching process, but wet etching can be used. The dry etching process is an inductively coupled process using chlorine bearing species or a reactive ion etching process using similar chemistries. The chlorine bearing species are commonly derived from chlorine gas or the like. The device also has an overlying dielectric region, which exposes a contact region 213. The dielectric region is an oxide such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, and a contact region is coupled to an overlying metal layer 215. The overlying metal layer is preferably a multilayered structure containing gold and platinum (Pt/Au), palladium and gold (Pd/Au), or nickel gold (Ni/Au), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, barrier layers and more complex metal stacks are included.

Active region 207 preferably includes one to ten quantum well regions or a double heterostructure region for light emission. Following deposition of the n-type Al_(u)In_(v)Ga_(1-u-v)N layer to achieve a desired thickness, an active layer is deposited. The quantum wells are preferably InGaN with GaN, AlGaN, InAlGaN, or InGaN barrier layers separating them. In other embodiments, the well layers and barrier layers include Al_(w)In_(x)Ga_(1-w-x)N and Al_(y)In_(z)Ga_(1-y-z)N, respectively, where 0≤w, x, y, z, w+x, y+z≤1, where w<u, y and/or x>v, z so that the bandgap of the well layer(s) is less than that of the barrier layer(s) and the n-type layer. The well layers and barrier layers each have a thickness between about 1 nm and about 20 nm. The composition and structure of the active layer are chosen to provide light emission at a preselected wavelength. The active layer may be left undoped (or unintentionally doped) or may be doped n-type or p-type.

The active region can also include an electron blocking region, and a separate confinement heterostructure. The electron-blocking layer may include Al_(s)In_(t)Ga_(1-s-t)N, where 0≤s, t, s+t≤1, with a higher bandgap than the active layer, and may be doped p-type. In one specific embodiment, the electron blocking layer includes AlGaN. In another embodiment, the electron blocking layer includes an AlGaN/GaN super-lattice structure, comprising alternating layers of AlGaN and GaN, each with a thickness between about 0.2 nm and about 5 nm.

As noted, the p-type gallium nitride or aluminum gallium nitride structure is deposited above the electron blocking layer and active layer(s). The p-type layer may be doped with Mg, to a level between about 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 10²² cm⁻³, with a thickness between about 5 nm and about 1000 nm. The outermost 1-50 nm of the p-type layer may be doped more heavily than the rest of the layer, so as to enable an improved electrical contact. The device also has an overlying dielectric region, for example, silicon dioxide, which exposes the contact region 213.

The metal contact is made of suitable material such as silver, gold, aluminum, nickel, platinum, rhodium, palladium, chromium, or the like. The contact may be deposited by thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation, electroplating, sputtering, or another suitable technique. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contact serves as a p-type electrode for the optical device. In another embodiment, the electrical contact serves as an n-type electrode for the optical device. The laser devices illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and described above are typically suitable for relatively low-power applications.

In various embodiments, the present invention realizes high output power from a diode laser is by widening a portion of the laser cavity member from the single lateral mode regime of 1.0-3.0 μm to the multi-lateral mode range 5.0-20 μm. In some cases, laser diodes having cavities at a width of 50 μm or greater are employed.

The laser stripe length, or cavity length ranges from 100 to 3000 μm and employs growth and fabrication techniques such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/759,273, filed Apr. 13, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein. As an example, laser diodes are fabricated on nonpolar or semipolar gallium containing substrates, where the internal electric fields are substantially eliminated or mitigated relative to polar c-plane oriented devices. It is to be appreciated that reduction in internal fields often enables more efficient radiative recombination. Further, the heavy hole mass is expected to be lighter on nonpolar and semipolar substrates, such that better gain properties from the lasers can be achieved.

Optionally, FIG. 2 illustrates an example cross-sectional diagram of a gallium and nitrogen-based laser diode device. The epitaxial device structure is formed on top of the gallium and nitrogen containing substrate member 203. The substrate member may be n-type doped with O and/or Si doping. The epitaxial structures will contain n-side layers 205 such as an n-type buffer layer comprised of GaN, AlGaN, AlINGaN, or InGaN and n-type cladding layers comprised of GaN, AlGaN, or AlInGaN. The n-typed layers may have thickness in the range of 0.3 μm to about 3 μm or to about 5 μm and may be doped with an n-type carriers such as Si or O to concentrations between 1×10¹⁶ cm⁻³ to 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³. Overlying the n-type layers is the active region and waveguide layers 207. This region could contain an n-side waveguide layer or separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) such as InGaN to help with optical guiding of the mode. The InGaN layer be comprised of 1 to 15% molar fraction of InN with a thickness ranging from about 30 nm to about 250 nm and may be doped with an n-type species such as Si. Overlying the SCH layer is the light emitting regions which could be comprised of a double heterostructure or a quantum well active region. A quantum well active region could be comprised of 1 to 10 quantum wells ranging in thickness from 1 nm to 20 nm comprised of InGaN. Barrier layers comprised of GaN, InGaN, or AlGaN separate the quantum well light emitting layers. The barriers range in thickness from 1 nm to about 25 nm. Overlying the light emitting layers are optionally an AlGaN or InAlGaN electron blocking layer with 5% to about 35% AlN and optionally doped with a p-type species such as Mg. Also optional is a p-side waveguide layer or SCH such as InGaN to help with optical guiding of the mode. The InGaN layer be comprised of 1 to 15% molar fraction of InN with a thickness ranging from 30 nm to about 250 nm and may be doped with an p-type species such as Mg. Overlying the active region and optional electron blocking layer and p-side waveguide layers is a p-cladding region and a p++ contact layer. The p-type cladding region is comprised of GaN, AlGaN, AlINGaN, or a combination thereof. The thickness of the p-type cladding layers is in the range of 0.3 μm to about 2 μm and is doped with Mg to a concentration of between 1×10¹⁶ cm⁻³ to 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³. A ridge 211 is formed in the p-cladding region for lateral confinement in the waveguide using an etching process selected from a dry etching or a wet etching process. A dielectric material 213 such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride or deposited on the surface region of the device and an opening is created on top of the ridge to expose a portion of the p++ GaN layer. A p-contact 215 is deposited on the top of the device to contact the exposed p++ contact region. The p-type contact may be comprised of a metal stack containing a of Au, Pd, Pt, Ni, Ti, or Ag and may be deposited with electron beam deposition, sputter deposition, or thermal evaporation. A n-contact 201 is formed to the bottom of the substrate member. The n-type contact may be comprised of a metal stack containing Au, Al, Pd, Pt, Ni, Ti, or Ag and may be deposited with electron beam deposition, sputter deposition, or thermal evaporation.

In multiple embodiments according to the present invention, the device layers include a super-luminescent light emitting diode or SLED. In all applicable embodiments a SLED device can be interchanged with or combined with laser diode devices according to the methods and architectures described in this invention. A SLED is in many ways similar to an edge emitting laser diode; however, the emitting facet of the device is designed so as to have a very low reflectivity. A SLED is similar to a laser diode as it is based on an electrically driven junction that when injected with current becomes optically active and generates amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and gain over a wide range of wavelengths. When the optical output becomes dominated by ASE there is a knee in the light output versus current (LI) characteristic wherein the unit of light output becomes drastically larger per unit of injected current. This knee in the LI curve resembles the threshold of a laser diode but is much softer. A SLED would have a layer structure engineered to have a light emitting layer or layers clad above and below with material of lower optical index such that a laterally guided optical mode can be formed. The SLED would also be fabricated with features providing lateral optical confinement. These lateral confinement features may consist of an etched ridge, with air, vacuum, metal or dielectric material surrounding the ridge and providing a low optical-index cladding. The lateral confinement feature may also be provided by shaping the electrical contacts such that injected current is confined to a finite region in the device. In such a “gain guided” structure, dispersion in the optical index of the light emitting layer with injected carrier density provides the optical-index contrast needed to provide lateral confinement of the optical mode.

SLEDs are designed to have high single pass gain or amplification for the spontaneous emission generated along the waveguide. The SLED device would also be engineered to have a low internal loss, preferably below 1 cm⁻¹, however SLEDs can operate with internal losses higher than this. In the ideal case, the emitting facet reflectivity would be zero, however in practical applications a reflectivity of zero is difficult to achieve and the emitting facet reflectivity is designs to be less than 1%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.001%, or less than 0.0001% reflectivity. Reducing the emitting facet reflectivity reduces feedback into the device cavity, thereby increasing the injected current density at which the device will begin to lase. Very low reflectivity emitting facets can be achieved by a combination of addition of anti-reflection coatings and by angling the emitting facet relative to the SLED cavity such that the surface normal of the facet and the propagation direction of the guided modes are substantially non-parallel. In general, this would mean a deviation of more than 1-2 degrees. In practice, the ideal angle depends in part on the anti-reflection coating used and the tilt angle must be carefully designed around a null in the reflectivity versus angle relationship for optimum performance. Tilting of the facet with respect to the propagation direction of the guided modes can be done in any direction relative to the direction of propagation of the guided modes, though some directions may be easier to fabricate depending on the method of facet formation. Etched facets provide the most flexibility for facet angle determination. Alternatively, a very common method to achieve an angled output for reduced constructive interference in the cavity would be to curve and/or angle the waveguide with respect to a cleaved facet that forms on a pre-determined crystallographic plane in the semiconductor chip. In this configuration the angle of light propagation is off-normal at a specified angle designed for low reflectivity to the cleaved facet.

The spectra emitted by SLEDs differ from lasers in several ways. While a SLED device does produce optical gain in the laterally guided modes, the reduced optical feedback at the emitting facet results in a broader and more continuous emission spectra. For example, in a Fabry-Perot (FP) laser, the reflection of light at the ends of the waveguide limits the wavelengths of light that can experience gain to those that result in constructive interference, which is dependent on the length of the cavity. The spectra of a FP laser is thus a comb, with peaks and valleys corresponding to the longitudinal modes and with an envelope defined by the gain media and transverse modes supported by the cavity. Moreover, in a laser, feedback from emitting facet ensures that one of the transverse modes will reach threshold at a finite current density. When this happens, a subset of the longitudinal modes will dominate the spectra. In a SLED, the optical feedback is suppressed, which reduces the peak to valley height of the comb in the gain spectra and also pushes out thresholds to higher current densities. A SLED then will be characterized by a relatively broad (>5 nm) and incoherent spectrum, which has advantages for spectroscopy, eye safety and reduced speckle. As an example, the well-known distortion pattern referred to as “speckle” is the result of an intensity pattern produced by the mutual interference of a set of wavefronts on a surface or in a viewing plane. The general equations typically used to quantify the degree of speckle are inversely proportional to the spectral width.

It is also possible for the laser diode or SLED ridge, or in the case of a gain-guided device the electrically injected region, would not be of uniform width. The purpose of this would be to produce a waveguide or cavity of larger width at one or both ends. This has two main advantages over a ridge or injected region of uniform width. Firstly, the waveguide can be shaped such that the resulting cavity can only sustain a single lateral mode while allowing the total area of the device to be significantly larger than that achievable in a device having a waveguide of uniform width. This increases the achievable optical power achievable in a device with a single lateral mode. Secondly, this allows for the cross-sectional area of the optical mode at the facets to be significantly larger than in a single-mode device having a waveguide of uniform width. Such a configuration reduces the optical power density of the device at the facet, and thereby reduces the likelihood that operation at high powers will result in optical damage to the facets. Single lateral mode devices may have some advantages in spectroscopy or in visible light communication where the single later mode results in a significant reduction in spectral width relative to a multi-lateral mode device with a wide ridge of uniform width. This would allow for more laser devices of smaller differences in center wavelength to be included in the same VLC emitter as the spectra would overlap less and be easier to demultiplex with filtered detectors. Optionally, both multi-mode and single-mode lasers would have significantly narrower spectra relative to LEDs with spectra of the same peak wavelength.

In an embodiment, the LD or SLED device is characterized by a ridge with non-uniform width. The ridge is comprised by a first section of uniform width and a second section of varying width. The first section has a length between 100 and 500 μm long, though it may be longer. The first section has a width of between 1 and 2.5 μm, with a width preferably between 1 and 1.5 μm. The second section of the ridge has a first end and a second end. The first end connects with the first section of the ridge and has the same width as the first section of the ridge. The second end of the second section of the ridge is wider than the first section of the ridge, with a width between 5 and 50 μm and more preferably with a width between 15 and 35 μm. The second section of the ridge waveguide varies in width between its first and second end smoothly. In some embodiments the second derivative of the ridge width versus length is zero such that the taper of the ridge is linear. In some embodiments, the second derivative is chosen to be positive or negative. In general, the rate of width increase is chosen such that the ridge does not expand in width significantly faster than the optical mode. In specific embodiments, the electrically injected area is patterned such that only a part of the tapered portion of the waveguide is electrically injected.

In an embodiment, multiple laser dice emitting at different wavelengths are transferred to the same carrier wafer in close proximity to one another; preferably within one millimeter of each other, more preferably within about 200 micrometers of each other and most preferably within about 50 μm of each other. The laser die wavelengths are chosen to be separated in wavelength by at least twice the full width at half maximum of their spectra. For example, three dice, emitting at 440 nm, 450 nm and 460 nm, respectively, are transferred to a single carrier chip with a separation between die of less than 50 μm and die widths of less than 50 μm such that the total lateral separation, center to center, of the laser light emitted by the die is less than 200 μm. The closeness of the laser die allows for their emission to be easily coupled into the same optical train or fiber optic waveguide or projected in the far field into overlapping spots. In a sense, the lasers can be operated effectively as a single laser light source.

Such a configuration offers an advantage in that each individual laser light source could be operated independently to convey information using for example frequency and phase modulation of an RF signal superimposed on DC offset. The time-averaged proportion of light from the different sources could be adjusted by adjusting the DC offset of each signal. At a receiver, the signals from the individual laser sources would be demultiplexed by use of notch filters over individual photodetectors that filter out both the phosphor derived component of the white light spectra as well as the pump light from all but one of the laser sources. Such a configuration would offer an advantage over an LED based visible light communication (VLC) source in that bandwidth would scale easily with the number of laser emitters. Of course, a similar embodiment with similar advantages could be constructed from SLED emitters.

After the laser diode chip fabrication as described above, the laser diode can be mounted to a submount. In some examples the submount is comprised of AlN, SiC, BeO, diamond, or other materials such as metals, ceramics, or composites. The submount can be the common support member wherein the phosphor member of the CPoS would also be attached. Alternatively, the submount can be an intermediate submount intended to be mounted to the common support member wherein the phosphor material is attached. The submount member may be characterized by a width, length, and thickness. In an example wherein the submount is the common support member for the phosphor and the laser diode chip the submount would have a width and length ranging in dimension from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm or to about 15 mm and a thickness ranging from about 150 μm to about 2 mm. In the example wherein the submount is an intermediate submount between the laser diode chip and the common support member it could be characterized by width and length ranging in dimension from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm and the thickness may range from about 50 μm to about 500 μm. The laser diode is attached to the submount using a bonding process, a soldering process, a gluing process, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment the submount is electrically isolating and has metal bond pads deposited on top. The laser chip is mounted to at least one of those metal pads. The laser chip can be mounted in a p-side down or a p-side up configuration. After bonding the laser chip, wire bonds are formed from the chip to the submount such that the final chip on submount (CoS) is completed and ready for integration.

A schematic diagram illustrating a CoS based on lifted off and transferred epitaxial gallium and nitrogen containing layers according to this present invention is shown in FIG. 3 . The CoS is comprised of submount material 901 configured from the carrier wafer with the transferred epitaxial material with a laser diode configured within the epitaxy 902. Electrodes 903 and 904 are electrically coupled to the n-side and the p-side of the laser diode device and configured to transmit power from an external source to the laser diode to generate a laser beam output 905 from the laser diode. The electrodes are configured for an electrical connection to an external power source such as a laser driver, a current source, or a voltage source. Wirebonds can be formed on the electrodes to couple the power to the laser diode device. This integrated CoS device with transferred epitaxial material offers advantages over the conventional configuration such as size, cost, and performance due to the low thermal impedance.

Further process and device description for this embodiment describing laser diodes formed in gallium and nitrogen containing epitaxial layers that have been transferred from the native gallium and nitrogen containing substrates are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/312,427 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0140710, which are incorporated by reference herein. As an example, this technology of GaN transfer can enable lower cost, higher performance, and a more highly manufacturable process flow.

In some embodiments, the carrier wafer can be selected to provide an ideal submount material for the integrated CPoS white light source. That is, the carrier wafer serving as the laser diode submount would also serve as the common support member for the laser diode and the phosphor to enable an ultra-compact CPoS integrated white light source. In one example, the carrier wafer is formed from silicon carbide (SiC). SiC is an ideal candidate due to its high thermal conductivity, low electrical conductivity, high hardness and robustness, and wide availability. In other examples AlN, diamond, GaN, InP, GaAs, or other materials can be used as the carrier wafer and resulting submount for the CPoS. In one example, the laser chip is diced out such that there is an area in front of the front laser facet intended for the phosphor. The phosphor material would then be bonded to the carrier wafer and configured for laser excitation according to this embodiment.

After fabrication of the laser diode on a submount member, in an embodiment of this invention the construction of the integrated white source would proceed to integration of the phosphor with the laser diode and common support member. Phosphor selection is a key consideration within the laser based integrated white light source. The phosphor must be able to withstand the extreme optical intensity and associated heating induced by the laser excitation spot without severe degradation. Important characteristics to consider for phosphor selection include:

-   -   A high conversion efficiency of optical excitation power to         white light lumens. In the example of a blue laser diode         exciting a yellow phosphor, a conversion efficiency of over 150         lumens per optical watt, or over 200 lumens per optical watt, or         over 300 lumens per optical watt is desired.     -   A high optical damage threshold capable of withstanding 1-20 W         of laser power in a spot comprising a diameter of 1 mm, 500 μm,         200 μm, 100 μm, or even 50 μm.     -   High thermal damage threshold capable of withstanding         temperatures of over 150° C., over 200° C., or over 300° C.         without decomposition.     -   A low thermal quenching characteristic such that the phosphor         remains efficient as it reaches temperatures of over 150° C.,         200° C., or 250° C.     -   A high thermal conductivity to dissipate the heat and regulate         the temperature. Thermal conductivities of greater than 3 W/m-K,         greater than 5 W/m-K, greater than 10 W/m-K, and even greater         than 15 W/m-K are desirable.     -   A proper phosphor emission color for the application.     -   A suitable porosity characteristic that leads to the desired         scattering of the coherent excitation without unacceptable         reduction in thermal conductivity or optical efficiency.     -   A proper form factor for the application. Such form factors         include, but are not limited to blocks, plates, disks, spheres,         cylinders, rods, or a similar geometrical element. Proper choice         will be dependent on whether phosphor is operated in         transmissive or reflective mode and on the absorption length of         the excitation light in the phosphor.     -   A surface condition optimized for the application. In an         example, the phosphor surfaces can be intentionally roughened         for improved light extraction.

In a preferred embodiment, a blue laser diode operating in the 420 nm to 480 nm wavelength range would be combined with a phosphor material providing a yellowish emission in the 560 nm to 580 nm range such that when mixed with the blue emission of the laser diode a white light is produced. For example, to meet a white color point on the black body line the energy of the combined spectrum may be comprised of about 30% from the blue laser emission and about 70% from the yellow phosphor emission. In other embodiments phosphors with red, green, yellow, and even blue emission can be used in combination with the laser diode excitation sources in the violet, ultra-violet, or blue wavelength range to produce a white light with color mixing. Although such white light systems may be more complicated due to the use of more than one phosphor member, advantages such as improved color rendering could be achieved.

In an example, the light emitted from the laser diodes is partially converted by the phosphor element. In an example, the partially converted light emitted generated in the phosphor element results in a color point, which is white in appearance. In an example, the color point of the white light is located on the Planckian blackbody locus of points. In an example, the color point of the white light is located within du′v′ of less than 0.010 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points. In an example, the color point of the white light is preferably located within du′v′ of less than 0.03 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points.

The phosphor material can be operated in a transmissive mode, a reflective mode, or a combination of a transmissive mode and reflective mode, or other modes. The phosphor material is characterized by a conversion efficiency, a resistance to thermal damage, a resistance to optical damage, a thermal quenching characteristic, a porosity to scatter excitation light, and a thermal conductivity. In a preferred embodiment the phosphor material is comprised of a yellow emitting YAG material doped with Ce with a conversion efficiency of greater than 100 lumens per optical watt, greater than 200 lumens per optical watt, or greater than 300 lumens per optical watt, and can be a polycrystalline ceramic material or a single crystal material.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the environment of the phosphor can be independently tailored to result in high efficiency with little or no added cost. Phosphor optimization for laser diode excitation can include high transparency, scattering or non-scattering characteristics, and use of ceramic phosphor plates. Decreased temperature sensitivity can be determined by doping levels. A reflector can be added to the backside of a ceramic phosphor, reducing loss. The phosphor can be shaped to increase in-coupling, increase out-coupling, and/or reduce back reflections. Surface roughening is a well-known means to increase extraction of light from a solid material. Coatings, mirrors, or filters can be added to the phosphors to reduce the amount of light exiting the non-primary emission surfaces, to promote more efficient light exit through the primary emission surface, and to promote more efficient in-coupling of the laser excitation light. Of course, there can be additional variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In some embodiments, certain types of phosphors will be best suited in this demanding application with a laser excitation source. As an example, ceramic yttrium aluminum garnets (YAG) doped with Ce³⁺ ions, or YAG based phosphors can be ideal candidates. They are doped with species such as Ce to achieve the proper emission color and are often comprised of a porosity characteristic to scatter the excitation source light, and nicely break up the coherence in laser excitation. As a result of its cubic crystal structure the YAG:Ce can be prepared as a highly transparent single crystal as well as a polycrystalline bulk material. The degree of transparency and the luminescence are depending on the stoichiometric composition, the content of dopant, and entire processing and sintering route. The transparency and degree of scattering centers can be optimized for a homogenous mixture of blue and yellow light. The YAG:Ce can be configured to emit a green emission. In some embodiments the YAG can be doped with Eu to emit a red emission.

In a preferred embodiment according to this invention, the white light source is configured with a ceramic polycrystalline YAG:Ce phosphors comprising an optical conversion efficiency of greater than 100 lumens per optical excitation watt, of greater than 200 lumens per optical excitation watt, or even greater than 300 lumens per optical excitation watt. Additionally, the ceramic YAG:Ce phosphors is characterized by a temperature quenching characteristics above 150° C., above 200° C., or above 250° C. and a high thermal conductivity of 5-10 W/m-K to effectively dissipate heat to a heat sink member and keep the phosphor at an operable temperature.

In another preferred embodiment according to this invention, the white light source is configured with a single crystal phosphor (SCP) such as YAG:Ce. In one example the Ce:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ SCP can be grown by the Czochralski technique. In this embodiment according the present invention the SCP based on YAG:Ce is characterized by an optical conversion efficiency of greater than 100 lumens per optical excitation watt, of greater than 200 lumens per optical excitation watt, or even greater than 300 lumens per optical excitation watt. Additionally, the single crystal YAG:Ce phosphors is characterized by a temperature quenching characteristics above 150° C., above 200° C., or above 300° C. and a high thermal conductivity of 8-20 W/m-K to effectively dissipate heat to a heat sink member and keep the phosphor at an operable temperature. In addition to the high thermal conductivity, high thermal quenching threshold, and high conversion efficiency, the ability to shape the phosphors into tiny forms that can act as ideal “point” sources when excited with a laser is an attractive feature.

In some embodiments the YAG:Ce can be configured to emit a yellow emission. In alternative or the same embodiments a YAG:Ce can be configured to emit a green emission. In yet alternative or the same embodiments the YAG can be doped with Eu to emit a red emission. In some embodiments a LuAG is configured for emission. In alternative embodiments, silicon nitrides or aluminum-oxi-nitrides can be used as the crystal host materials for red, green, yellow, or blue emissions.

In an alternative embodiment, a powdered single crystal or ceramic phosphor such as a yellow phosphor or green phosphor is included. The powdered phosphor can be dispensed on a transparent member for a transmissive mode operation or on a solid member with a reflective layer on the back surface of the phosphor or between the phosphor and the solid member to operate in a reflective mode. The phosphor powder may be held together in a solid structure using a binder material wherein the binder material is preferable in inorganic material with a high optical damage threshold and a favorable thermal conductivity. The phosphor power may be comprised of colored phosphors and configured to emit a white light when excited by and combined with the blue laser beam or excited by a violet laser beam. The powdered phosphors could be comprised of YAG, LuAG, or other types of phosphors.

In one embodiment of the present invention the phosphor material contains a yttrium aluminum garnet host material and a rare earth doping element, and others. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor which contains a rare earth doping element, selected from one of Ce, Nd, Er, Yb, Ho, Tm, Dy and Sm, combinations thereof, and the like. In an example, the phosphor material is a high-density phosphor element. In an example, the high-density phosphor element has a density greater than 90% of pure host crystal. Cerium (III)-doped YAG (YAG:Ce³⁺, or Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺) can be used wherein the phosphor absorbs the light from the blue laser diode and emits in a broad range from greenish to reddish, with most of output in yellow. This yellow emission combined with the remaining blue emission gives the “white” light, which can be adjusted to color temperature as warm (yellowish) or cold (bluish) white. The yellow emission of the Ce³⁺:YAG can be tuned by substituting the cerium with other rare earth elements such as terbium and gadolinium and can even be further adjusted by substituting some or all of the aluminum in the YAG with gallium.

In alternative examples, various phosphors can be applied to this invention, which include, but are not limited to organic dyes, conjugated polymers, semiconductors such as AlInGaP or InGaN, yttrium aluminum garnets (YAGs) doped with Ce³⁺ ions (Y_(1-a)Gd_(a))₃(Al_(1-b)Ga_(b))₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺, SrGa₂S₄:Eu²⁺, SrS:Eu²⁺, terbium aluminum based garnets (TAGs) (Tb₃Al₅O₅), colloidal quantum dot thin films containing CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdSe, or CdTe.

In further alternative examples, some rare-earth doped SiAlONs can serve as phosphors. Europium(II)-doped β-SiAlON absorbs in ultraviolet and visible light spectrum and emits intense broadband visible emission. Its luminance and color do not change significantly with temperature, due to the temperature-stable crystal structure. In an alternative example, green and yellow SiAlON phosphor and a red CaAlSiN₃-based (CASN) phosphor may be used.

In yet a further example, white light sources can be made by combining near ultraviolet emitting laser diodes with a mixture of high efficiency europium based red and blue emitting phosphors plus green emitting copper and aluminum doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu,Al).

In an example, a phosphor or phosphor blend can be selected from a of (Y, Gd, Tb, Sc, Lu, La)₃(Al, Ga, In)₅O₁₂:Ce³⁺, SrGa₂S₄:Eu²⁺, SrS:Eu²⁺, and colloidal quantum dot thin films comprising CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdSe, or CdTe. In an example, a phosphor is capable of emitting substantially red light, wherein the phosphor is selected from a of the group consisting of (Gd,Y,Lu,La)₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Bi³⁺; (Gd,Y,Lu,La)₂O₂S:Eu³⁺, Bi³⁺; (Gd,Y,Lu,La)VO₄:Eu³⁺, Bi³⁺; Y₂(O,S)₃: Eu³⁺; Ca_(1-x)Mo_(1-y)Si_(y)O₄: where 0.05<x<0.5, 0<y<0.1; (Li,Na,K)₅Eu(W,Mo)O₄; (Ca,Sr)S:Eu²⁺; SrY₂S₄:Eu²⁺; CaLa₂S₄:Ce³⁺; (Ca,Sr)S:Eu²⁺; 3.5MgO×0.5MgF₂×GeO₂:Mn⁴⁺ (MFG); (Ba,Sr,Ca)Mg_(x)P₂O₇:Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺; (Y,Lu)₂WO₆:Eu³⁺, Mo⁶⁺; (Ba,Sr,Ca)₃Mg_(x)Si₂O₈:Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺, wherein 1<x<2; (RE_(1-y)Ce_(y))Mg_(2-x)Li_(x)Si_(3-x)P_(x)O₁₂, where RE is at least one of Sc, Lu, Gd, Y, and Tb, 0.0001<x<0.1 and 0.001<y<0.1; (Y, Gd, Lu, La)_(2-x)Eu_(x)W_(1-y)Mo_(y)O₆, where 0.5<x<1.0, 0.01<y<1.0; (SrCa)_(1-x)Eu_(x)Si₅N₈, where 0.01<x<0.3; SrZnO₂:Sm⁺³; M_(m)O_(n)X, wherein M is selected from the group of Sc, Y, a lanthanide, an alkali earth metal and mixtures thereof; X is a halogen; 1<m<3; and 1<n<4, and wherein the lanthanide doping level can range from 0.1 to 40% spectral weight; and Eu³⁺ activated phosphate or borate phosphors; and mixtures thereof. Further details of other phosphor species and related techniques can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,956,894, in the name of Raring et al. issued Feb. 17, 2015, and titled “White light devices using non-polar or semipolar gallium containing materials and phosphors”, which is commonly owned, and hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments of the present invention, ceramic phosphor materials are embedded in a binder material such as silicone. This configuration is typically less desirable because the binder materials often have poor thermal conductivity, and thus get very hot wherein the rapidly degrade and even burn. Such “embedded” phosphors are often used in dynamic phosphor applications such as color wheels where the spinning wheel cools the phosphor and spreads the excitation spot around the phosphor in a radial pattern.

Sufficient heat dissipation from the phosphor is a critical design consideration for the integrated white light source based on laser diode excitation. Specifically, the optically pumped phosphor system has sources of loss in the phosphor that result is thermal energy and hence must be dissipated to a heat-sink for optimal performance. The two primary sources of loss are the Stokes loss which is a result of converting photons of higher energy to photons of lower energy such that difference in energy is a resulting loss of the system and is dissipated in the form of heat. Additionally, the quantum efficiency or quantum yield measuring the fraction of absorbed photons that are successfully re-emitted is not unity such that there is heat generation from other internal absorption processes related to the non-converted photons. Depending on the excitation wavelength and the converted wavelength, the Stokes loss can lead to greater than 10%, greater than 20%, and greater than 30%, and greater loss of the incident optical power to result in thermal power that must be dissipated. The quantum losses can lead to an additional 10%, greater than 20%, and greater than 30%, and greater of the incident optical power to result in thermal power that must be dissipated. With laser beam powers in the 1 W to 100 W range focused to spot sizes of less than 1 mm in diameter, less than 500 μm in diameter, or even less than 100 μm in diameter, power densities of over 1 W/mm², 100 W/mm², or even over 2,500 W/mm² can be generated. As an example, assuming that the spectrum is comprised of 30% of the blue pump light and 70% of the converted yellow light and a best-case scenario on Stokes and quantum losses, we can compute the dissipated power density in the form of heat for a 10% total loss in the phosphor at 0.1 W/mm², 10 W/mm², or even over 250 W/mm². Thus, even for this best case scenario example, this is a tremendous amount of heat to dissipate. This heat generated within the phosphor under the high intensity laser excitation can limit the phosphor conversion performance, color quality, and lifetime.

For optimal phosphor performance and lifetime, not only should the phosphor material itself have a high thermal conductivity, but it should also be attached to the submount or common support member with a high thermal conductivity joint to transmit the heat away from the phosphor and to a heat-sink. In this invention, the phosphor is either attached to the common support member as the laser diode as in the CPoS or is attached to an intermediate submount member that is subsequently attached to the common support member. Candidate materials for the common support member or intermediate submount member are SiC, AlN, BeO, diamond, copper, copper tungsten, sapphire, aluminum, or others. The interface joining the phosphor to the submount member or common support member must be carefully considered. The joining material should be comprised of a high thermal conductivity material such as solder (or other) and be substantially free from voids or other defects that can impede heat flow. In some embodiments, glue materials can be used to fasten the phosphor. Ideally the phosphor bond interface will have a substantially large area with a flat surface on both the phosphor side and the support member sides of the interface.

In the present invention, the laser diode output beam must be configured to be incident on the phosphor material to excite the phosphor. In some embodiments the laser beam may be directly incident on the phosphor and in other embodiments the laser beam may interact with an optic, reflector, waveguide, or other object to manipulate the beam prior to incidence on the phosphor. Examples of such optics include, but are not limited to ball lenses, aspheric collimator, aspheric lens, fast or slow axis collimators, dichroic mirrors, turning mirrors, optical isolators, but could be others.

In some embodiments, the apparatus typically has a free space with a non-guided laser beam characteristic transmitting the emission of the laser beam from the laser device to the phosphor material. The laser beam spectral width, wavelength, size, shape, intensity, and polarization are configured to excite the phosphor material. The beam can be configured by positioning it at the precise distance from the phosphor to exploit the beam divergence properties of the laser diode and achieve the desired spot size. In one embodiment, the incident angle from the laser to the phosphor is optimized to achieve a desired beam shape on the phosphor. For example, due to the asymmetry of the laser aperture and the different divergent angles on the fast and slow axis of the beam the spot on the phosphor produced from a laser that is configured normal to the phosphor would be elliptical in shape, typically with the fast axis diameter being larger than the slow axis diameter. To compensate this, the laser beam incident angle on the phosphor can be optimized to stretch the beam in the slow axis direction such that the beam is more circular on phosphor. In other embodiments free space optics such as collimating lenses can be used to shape the beam prior to incidence on the phosphor. The beam can be characterized by a polarization purity of greater than 50% and less than 100%. As used herein, the term “polarization purity” means greater than 50% of the emitted electromagnetic radiation is in a substantially similar polarization state such as the transverse electric (TE) or transverse magnetic (TM) polarization states but can have other meanings consistent with ordinary meaning.

The white light apparatus also has an electrical input interface configured to couple electrical input power to the laser diode device to generate the laser beam and excite the phosphor material. In an example, the laser beam incident on the phosphor has a power of less than 0.1 W, greater than 0.1 W, greater than 0.5 W, greater than 1 W, greater than 5 W, greater than 10 W, or greater than 20 W. The white light source configured to produce greater than 1 lumen, 10 lumens, 100 lumens, 1000 lumens, 10,000 lumens, or greater of white light output.

The support member is configured to transport thermal energy from the at least one laser diode device and the phosphor material to a heat sink. The support member is configured to provide thermal impedance of less than 10 degrees Celsius per watt, less than 5 degrees Celsius per watt, or less than 3 degrees Celsius per watt of dissipated power characterizing a thermal path from the laser device to a heat sink. The support member is comprised of a thermally conductive material such as copper with a thermal conductivity of about 400 W/(m-K), aluminum with a thermal conductivity of about 200 W/(mK), 4H-SiC with a thermal conductivity of about 370 W/(m-K), 6H-SiC with a thermal conductivity of about 490 W/(m-K), AlN with a thermal conductivity of about 230 W/(m-K), a synthetic diamond with a thermal conductivity of about >1000 W/(m-K), sapphire, or other metals, ceramics, or semiconductors. The support member may be formed from a growth process such as SiC, AlN, or synthetic diamond, and then mechanically shaped by machining, cutting, trimming, or molding. Alternatively, the support member may be formed from a metal such as copper, copper tungsten, aluminum, or other by machining, cutting, trimming, or molding.

Currently, solid state lighting is dominated by systems utilizing blue or violet emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) to excite phosphors which emit a broader spectrum. The combined spectrum of the so-called pump LEDs and the phosphors can be optimized to yield white light spectra with controllable color point and good color rendering index. Peak wall plug efficiencies for state of the art LEDs are quite high, above 70%, such that LED based white lightbulbs are now the leading lighting technology for luminous efficacy. As laser light sources, especially high-power blue laser diodes made from gallium and nitrogen containing material based novel manufacture processes, have shown many advantageous functions on quantum efficiency, power density, modulation rate, surface brightness over conventional LEDs. This opens up the opportunity to use lighting fixtures, lighting systems, displays, projectors and the like based on solid-state light sources as a means of transmitting information with high bandwidth using visible light. It also enables utilizing the modulated laser signal or direct laser light spot manipulation to measure and or interact with the surrounding environment, transmit data to other electronic systems and respond dynamically to inputs from various sensors. Such applications are herein referred to as “smart lighting” applications.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides novel uses and configurations of gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes in communication systems such as visible light communication systems. More specifically the present invention provides communication systems related to smart lighting applications with gallium and nitrogen-based lasers light sources coupled to one or more sensors with a feedback loop or control circuitry to trigger the light source to react with one or more predetermined responses and combinations of smart lighting and visible light communication. In these systems, light is generated using laser devices which are powered by one or more laser drivers. In some embodiments, individual laser devices are used, and optical elements are provided to combine the red, green and blue spectra into a white light spectrum. In other embodiments, blue or violet laser light is provided by a laser source and is partially or fully converted by a wavelength converting element into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced.

The blue or violet laser devices illuminate a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light absorbed by the wavelength converting element is referred to as the “pump” light. The light engine is configured such that some portion of both light from the wavelength converting element and the unconverted pump light are emitted from the light-engine. When the non-converted, blue pump light and the longer wavelength light emitted by the wavelength converting element are combined, they may form a white light spectrum. In an example, the partially converted light emitted generated in the wavelength conversion element results in a color point, which is white in appearance. In an example, the color point of the white light is located on the Planckian blackbody locus of points. In an example, the color point of the white light is located within du′v′ of less than 0.010 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points. In an example, the color point of the white light is preferably located within du′v′ of less than 0.03 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points.

In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor which contains garnet host material and a doping element. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor, which contains an yttrium aluminum garnet host material and a rare earth doping element, and others. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor which contains a rare earth doping element, selected from one or more of Nd, Cr, Er, Yb, Nd, Ho, Tm Cr, Dy, Sm, Tb and Ce, combinations thereof, and the like. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor which contains oxynitrides containing one or more of Ca, Sr, Ba, Si, Al with or without rare-earth doping. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor which contains alkaline earth silicates such as M₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ (where M is one or more of Ba²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ca²⁺). In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a phosphor which contains Sr₂LaAlO₅:Ce³⁺, Sr₃SiO₅:Ce³⁺ or Mn⁴⁺-doped fluoride phosphors. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a high-density phosphor element. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a high-density phosphor element with density greater than 90% of pure host crystal. In an example, the wavelength converting material is a powder. In an example, the wavelength converting material is a powder suspended or embedded in a glass, ceramic or polymer matrix. In an example, the wavelength converting material is a single crystalline member. In an example, the wavelength converting material is a powder sintered to density of greater than 75% of the fully dense material. In an example, the wavelength converting material is a sintered mix of powders with varying composition and/or index of refraction. In an example, the wavelength converting element is one or more species of phosphor powder or granules suspended in a glassy or polymer matrix. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is a semiconductor. In an example, the wavelength conversion element contains quantum dots of semiconducting material. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is comprised by semiconducting powder or granules.

For laser diodes the phosphor may be remote from the laser die, enabling the phosphor to be well heat sunk, enabling high input power density. This is an advantageous configuration relative to LEDs, where the phosphor is typically in contact with the LED die. While remote-phosphor LEDs do exist, because of the large area and wide emission angle of LEDs, remote phosphors for LEDs have the disadvantage of requiring significantly larger volumes of phosphor to efficiently absorb and convert all of the LED light, resulting in white light emitters with large emitting areas and low luminance.

For LEDs, the phosphor emits back into the LED die where the light from the phosphor can be lost due to absorption. For laser diode modules, the environment of the phosphor can be independently tailored to result in high efficiency with little or no added cost. Phosphor optimization for laser diode modules can include highly transparent, non-scattering, ceramic phosphor plates. Decreased temperature sensitivity can be determined by doping levels. A reflector can be added to the backside of a ceramic phosphor, reducing loss. The phosphor can be shaped to increase in-coupling and reduce back reflections. Of course, there can be additional variations, modifications, and alternatives.

For laser diodes, the phosphor or wavelength converting element can be operated in either a transmission or reflection mode. In a transmission mode, the laser light is shown through the wavelength converting element. The white light spectrum from a transmission mode device is the combination of laser light not absorbed by the phosphor and the spectrum emitted by the wavelength converting element. In a reflection mode, the laser light is incident on the first surface of the wavelength converting element. Some fraction of the laser light is reflected off of the first surface by a combination of specular and diffuse reflection. Some fraction of the laser light enters the phosphor and is absorbed and converted into longer wavelength light. The white light spectrum emitted by the reflection mode device is comprised by the spectrum from the wavelength converting element, the fraction of the laser light diffusely reflected from the first surface of the wavelength converting element and any laser light scattered from the interior of the wavelength converting element.

In a specific embodiment, the laser light illuminates the wavelength converting element in a reflection mode. That is, the laser light is incident on and collected from the same side of the wavelength converting element. The element may be heat sunk to the emitter package or actively cooled. Rough surface is for scattering and smooth surface is for specular reflection. In some cases, such as with a single crystal phosphor a rough surface with or without an AR coating of the wavelength converting element is provided to get majority of excitation light into phosphor for conversion and Lambertian emission while scattering some of the excitation light from the surface with a similar Lambertian as the emitted converted light. In other embodiments such as ceramic phosphors with internal built-in scattering centers are used as the wavelength converting elements, a smooth surface is provided to allow all laser excitation light into the phosphor where blue and wavelength converted light exits with a similar Lambertian pattern.

In a specific embodiment, the laser light illuminates the wavelength converting element in a transmission mode. That is, the laser light is incident on one side of the element, traverses through the phosphor, is partially absorbed by the element and is collected from the opposite side of the phosphor.

The wavelength converting elements, in general, can themselves contain scattering elements. When laser light is absorbed by the wavelength converting element, the longer wavelength light that is emitted by the element is emitted across a broad range of directions. In both transmission and reflection modes, the incident laser light must be scattered into a similar angular distribution in order to ensure that the resulting white light spectrum is substantially the same when viewed from all points on the collecting optical elements. Scattering elements may be added to the wavelength converting element in order to ensure the laser light is sufficiently scattered. Such scattering elements may include low index inclusions such as voids, spatial variation in the optical index of the wavelength converting element which could be provided as an example by suspending particles of phosphor in a matrix of a different index or sintering particles of differing composition and refractive index together, texturing of the first or second surface of the wavelength converting element, and the like.

In a specific embodiment, a laser or SLED driver module is provided. For example, the laser driver module generates a drive current, with the drive currents being adapted to drive a laser diode to transmit one or more signals such as digitally encoded frames of images, digital or analog encodings of audio and video recordings or any sequences of binary values. In a specific embodiment, the laser driver module is configured to generate pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz or 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In another embodiment the laser driver module is configured to generate multiple, independent pulse-modulated light signal at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz or 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In an embodiment, the laser driver signal can be modulated by an analog voltage or current signal.

FIG. 4A is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a blue pump laser and a wavelength converting element according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the white light source is used as a “light engine” for VLC or smart lighting applications. Referring to FIG. 4A, a blue or violet laser device 1202 emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. The light from the blue laser device 1202 is incident on a wavelength converting element 1203 which partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. A laser driver 1201 is provided which powers the laser device 1202. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements 1204 may be provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements 1204 can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements 1204 can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element 1203.

FIG. 4B is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing multiple blue pump lasers and a wavelength converting element according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4B, a laser driver 1205 is provided, which delivers a delivers a controlled amount of current at a sufficiently high voltage to operate there laser diodes 1206, 1207 and 1208. The three blue laser devices 1206, 1207 and 1208 are configured to have their emitted light to be incident on a wavelength converting element 1209 in either a transmission or reflection mode. The wavelength converting element 1209 absorbs a part or all blue laser light and emits photons with longer wavelengths. The spectra emitted by the wavelength converting element 1209 and any remaining laser light are collected by beam shaping optical elements 1210, such as lenses or mirrors, which direct the light with a preferred direction and beam shape. Optionally, the wavelength converting element 1209 is a phosphor-based material. Optionally, more than one wavelength converting elements can be used. Optionally, the bean shaping optical elements can be one or a combination of more selected the list of slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics, refractive optics, and others. Optionally, the beam shaping optical element is implemented before the laser light hits the wavelength converting element.

It is to be understood that, in the embodiments, the light engine is not limited to a specific number of laser devices. FIG. 4B shows a functional diagram for an example of laser-diode-based light engine for VLC or smart lighting applications containing multiple blue or violet laser diodes, for example, a first blue laser diode 1206, a second blue laser diode 1207 and a third blue laser diode 1208 are provided. The light from all three is incident on a wavelength converting element 1209 which partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. In some embodiments, the laser light engine may contain 2, 4, 5, 6 or more blue or violet laser diodes. In an example, the light engine includes two or more laser or SLED “pump” light-sources emitting with center wavelengths between 380 nm and 480 nm, with the center wavelengths of individual pump light sources separated by at least 5 nm. The spectral width of the laser light source is preferably less than 2 nm, though widths up to 75% of the center wavelength separation would be acceptable. A laser driver 1205 is provided to drive the laser devices and is configured such that one or more of the laser devices are individually addressable and can be powered independently of the rest. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements 1210 is provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum.

FIG. 4C is a functional block diagram of a laser based white light source containing a blue pump laser, a wavelength converting element, and red and green laser diodes according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4C, a laser driver 1211 is provided, which delivers a controlled amount of current at a sufficiently high voltage to operate the laser diodes 1212, 1213 and 1214. A blue laser device 1212 is provided to emit light configured to be incident on a wavelength converting element 1215 in either a transmission or reflection mode. The wavelength converting element 1215 absorbs a part or all of the blue laser light emitted from the blue laser diode 1212 and emits photons with longer wavelengths. Optionally, the wavelength converting element 1215 partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. In addition, a red light emitting laser diode 1213 and a green light emitting laser diode 1214 are separately provided. In this configuration, the red and green laser lights are not incident on the wavelength converting element 1215, though it is possible for the red and green light to be incident on the wavelength converting element without conversion of the red and green laser light. The spectra emitted by the wavelength converting element 1215 and any remaining laser light from the green and red laser devices are collected by a beam shaping optical elements 1216, such as lenses or mirrors, which direct the light with a preferred direction and beam shape.

In a specific embodiment, the light engine consists of two or more laser or SLED “pump” light-sources emitting with center wavelengths between 380 nm and 480 nm, with the center wavelengths of individual pump light sources separated by at least 5 nm. The spectral width of the laser light source is preferably less than 2 nm, though widths up to 75% of the center wavelength separation would be acceptable. A laser driver 1211 is provided which powers the laser devices and is configured such that the laser devices are individually addressable and can be powered independently of the rest. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements 1216 is provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum from the wavelength converting element 1215. The beam shaping optical elements 1216 may also be configured to combine the red and green laser light with the white light spectrum. In some embodiments, each of the red and green laser light is also incident on the wavelength converting element 1215 and overlaps spatially with the wavelength converted blue light. The wavelength converting element material 1215 is chosen such that the non-converted (red or green) laser light is scattered with a similar radiation pattern to the wavelength converted blue light, but with minimal loss due to absorption.

In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides light-engine with a wavelength converting element, that can function as a white light source for general lighting and display applications and also as an emitter for visible light communication. The emitter consists of three or more laser or SLED light sources. At least one light source emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 380-480 nm and acts as a blue light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 480-550 nm and acts as a green light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range 600-670 nm and acts as a red-light source. Each light source is individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels, or in the case of multiple emitters in the red, green or blue wavelength ranges the plurality of light sources in each range may be addressed collectively, though the plurality of sources in each range are addressable independently of the sources in the other wavelength ranges. One or more of the light sources emitting in the blue range of wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light engine is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted from the light-engine. This embodiment functions as a light source with tunable color, allowing for a plurality of combinations of red, green and blue light. It also provides a broad white light spectrum via the wavelength converting element as a high CRI white light source, with the red and green channels capable of being overlaid on the broad white light spectrum to dynamically shift the color point.

Optionally, the non-converted laser devices need not have spectra corresponding to red light and green light. For example, the non-converted laser device might emit in the infra-red at wavelengths between 800 nm and 2 microns. For example, such devices could be formed on InP substrates using the InGaAsP material system or formed on GaAs substrates using the InAlGaAsP. Moreover, such laser devices could be formed on the same carrier wafer as the visible blue GaN laser diode source using the epitaxy transfer technology according to this invention. Such a device would be advantageous for communication as the infra-red device, while not adding to the luminous efficacy of the light engine, would provide a non-visible channel for communications. This would allow for data transfer to continue under a broader range of conditions. For example, a VLC-enabled light engine using only visible emitters would be incapable of effectively transmitting data when the light source is nominally turned off as one would find in, for example, a movie theater, conference room during a presentation, a moodily lit restaurant or bar, or a bedroom at night among others. In another example, the non-converted laser device might emit a spectrum corresponding to blue or violet light, with a center wavelength between 390 and 480 nm. In another embodiment, the non-converted blue or violet laser may either be not incident on the wavelength converting element and combined with the white light spectrum in beam shaping and combining optics.

In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a light engine that can function as a white light source for general lighting applications as well as displays and also as an emitter for visible light communication. The emitter consists of at least one or more laser or SLED “pump” light sources emitting with center wavelengths between 380 nm and 480 nm which act as a blue light source. The light engine also contains one or more laser or SLED light sources emitting at non-visible wavelengths longer than 700 nm. One or more of the light sources emitting in the blue range of wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light engine is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted from the light-engine. Each pump light source is individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels. The wavelength converting element is the same as that previously described. The non-visible light sources are also individually addressable and can be used to transmit data at wavelengths that are not visible to the human eye. In an example, the non-visible lasers or SLEDs may emit at typical telecommunication wavelengths such as between 1.3 and 1.55 microns. In another example, the non-visible lasers or SLEDs may emit spectra with center wavelengths between 800 nm and 2 microns.

FIG. 4D is a functional block diagram of a laser based white light source containing blue, green and red laser devices and no wavelength converting element according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4D, a laser driver 1217 is provided, which delivers a controlled amount of current at a sufficiently high voltage to operate the laser diodes 1218, 1219 and 1220. Optionally, a blue laser device 1218, a red laser device 1219 and a green laser device 1220 are provided. The laser light emitted by each of the three laser devices is collected by beam shaping optical elements 1221, such as lenses or mirrors, which direct the light with a preferred direction and beam shape.

In this embodiment, the blue laser device 1218, the red laser device 1219 and the green laser device 1220 are provided and form the basis for three independently controllable color “channels”. A laser driver 1217 is provided which powers the laser devices and is configured such that the three laser devices are individually addressable and can be powered independently of the rest. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements 1221 is provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum from the wavelength converting element. The beam shaping optical elements 1221 may also be configured to combine the red, green and blue laser light into a single beam with similar divergence and direction of propagation. Optionally, a plurality of laser diodes of each color may be used.

In an embodiment with multiple lasers in any of the color channels the plurality of lasers may be powered collectively, independently or may be configured such that a subset of the devices are powered collectively while another subset are individually addressable by the laser driver. In an example, a laser light engine contains a red, green and blue color channel provided by red, green and blue laser diodes, respectively. The blue channel, for example, is comprised by 4 blue laser diodes with center wavelengths of 420, 450, 450 and 480 nm. The 420 and 480 nm devices are individually addressable by the laser driver and the two 450 nm devices are collectively addressable by the driver, i.e. they cannot be operated independently of one another a different power levels. Such a configuration results in individually controllable “sub channels”, which are advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, relative intensities of lasers with varying wavelength may be adjusted to produce a spectrum with a desired color point, such that the color gamut of the light engine is larger than that achievable with a single red, green and blue source. Secondly, different wavelengths of light have been shown to have an effect on the health and function of the human body. In an example application, the ratio of short wavelength to long wavelength blue light could be adjusted by individually controlling the blue laser sources throughout a day so as to limit interference with the natural circadian rhythm due to exposure to short wavelength light at night.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a light engine with no wavelength converting element, that can function as a white light source for general lighting applications as well as displays and also as an emitter for visible light communication. The emitter consists of three or more laser or SLED light sources. At least one light source emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 420-480 nm and acts as a blue light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 480-550 nm and acts as a green light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range 600-670 nm and acts as a red-light source. The light engine also contains one or more laser or SLED light sources emitting at non-visible wavelengths longer than 700 nm. Each light source is individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels, or in the case of multiple emitters in the red, green or blue wavelength ranges the plurality of light sources in each range may be addressed collectively, though the plurality of sources in each range are addressable independently of the sources in the other wavelength ranges. The non-visible light sources are also individually addressable as a group independently from the light sources of the red, green and blue wavelength ranges, and can be used to transmit data at wavelengths that are not visible to the human eye. In an example, the non-visible lasers or SLEDs may emit at typical telecommunication wavelengths such as between 1.3 and 1.55 microns. In another example, the non-visible lasers or SLEDs may emit spectra with center wavelengths between 800 nm and 1.3 microns. This embodiment functions as a light source with tunable color, allowing for a plurality of combinations of red, green and blue light as well as data transmission at non-visible wavelengths.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a light engine with no wavelength converting element, that can function as a white light source for general lighting applications as well as displays and also as an emitter for visible light communication. The emitter consists of three or more laser or SLED light sources. At least one light source emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 420-480 nm and acts as a blue light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 480-550 nm and acts as a green light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range 600-670 nm and acts as a red-light source. Each light source is individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels, or in the case of multiple emitters in the red, green or blue wavelength ranges the plurality of light sources in each range may be addressed collectively, though the plurality of sources in each range are addressable independently of the sources in the other wavelength ranges. This embodiment functions as a light source with tunable color, allowing for a plurality of combinations of red, green and blue light with data transmission capability using one or more of the laser devices. In several preferred embodiments, diffuser elements could be used to reduce the coherence and collimation of the laser light source.

In some embodiments, the light engine is provided with a plurality of blue or violet pump lasers which are incident on a first surface of the wavelength converting element. The plurality of blue or violet pump lasers is configured such that each pump laser illuminates a different region of the first surface of the wavelength converting element. In a specific embodiment, the regions illuminated by the pump lasers are not overlapping. In a specific embodiment, the regions illuminated by the pump lasers are partially overlapping. In a specific embodiment, a subset of pump lasers illuminates fully overlapping regions of the first surface of the wavelength converting element while one or more other pump lasers are configured to illuminate either a non-overlapping or partially overlapping region of the first surface of the wavelength converting element. Such a configuration is advantageous because by driving the pump lasers independently of one another the size and shape of the resulting light source can by dynamically modified such that the resulting spot of white light once projected through appropriate optical elements can by dynamically configured to have different sizes and shapes without the need for a moving mechanism.

In an alternative embodiment, the laser or SLED pump light sources and the wavelength converting element are contained in a sealed package provided with an aperture to allow the white light spectrum to be emitted from the package. In specific embodiments, the aperture is covered or sealed by a transparent material, though in some embodiments the aperture may be unsealed. In an example, the package is a TO canister with a window that transmits all or some of the pump and down-converted light. In an example, the package is a TO canister with a window that transmits all or some of the pump and down-converted light.

FIG. 5A is an example of enclosed free space laser module. The laser module includes two electrical supply pins 1810 for providing driving voltages for the laser diodes. The case 1800 includes a hole for a fiber to couple with the light guide output combined from all laser diodes through the series of mirrors. An access lid 1820 is designed for easy access of optical elements in the assembly. A compact plug-and-play design provides a lot of flexibilities and ease of use.

FIG. 5B is a schematic of an enclosed free space multi-chip laser module with an extended delivery fiber plus phosphor converter according to an example of the present invention. As shown, the enclosed free space multi-chip laser module is substantially similar to the one shown in FIG. 5A to produce a laser light beam in violet or blue light spectrum. The multiple laser chips in the package provide substantially high intensity for the light source that is desired for many new applications. Additionally, an extended optical fiber with one end is coupled with the light guide output for further guiding the laser light beam to a desired distance for certain applications up to 100m or greater. Optionally, the optical fiber can be also replaced by multiple waveguides built in a planar structure for integrating with silicon photonics devices. At the other end of the optical fiber, a phosphor material-based wavelength converter may be disposed to receive the laser light, where the violet or blue color laser light is converted to white color light and emitted out through an aperture or collimation device. As a result, a white light source with small size, remote pump, and flexible setup is provided.

In another example, the package is a custom package made from one or more of plastic, metal, ceramics and composites.

In another embodiment, the laser devices are co-packaged on a common substrate along with the wavelength converting element. A shaped member may be provided separating either the laser devices or the wavelength converting element from the common substrate such that the pump light is incident on the wavelength converting element at some angle which is not parallel to the surface normal of the wavelength covering member. Transmission mode configurations are possible, where the laser light is incident on a side of the wavelength converting element not facing the package aperture. The package can also contain other optical, mechanical and electrical elements.

In an embodiment, the common substrate is a solid material with thermal conductivity greater than 100 W/m-K. In an example, the common substrate is preferably a solid material with thermal conductivity greater than 200 W/m-K. In an example, the common substrate is preferably a solid material with thermal conductivity greater than 400 W/m-K. In an example, the common substrate is preferably a solid material with electrical insulator with electrical resistivity greater than 1×10⁶ Ωcm. In an example, the common substrate is preferably a solid material with thin film material providing electrical 1×10⁶ Ωcm. In an example, the common substrate selected from one or more of Al₂O₃, AlN, SiC, BeO and diamond. In an example, the common substrate is preferably comprised of crystalline SiC. In an example, the common substrate is preferably comprised of crystalline SiC with a thin film of Si₃N₄ deposited onto the top surface. In an example, the common substrate contains metal traces providing electrically conductive connections between the one or more laser diodes. In an example, the common substrate contains metal traces providing thermally conductive connections between the one or more laser diodes and the common substrate.

In an embodiment, the common substrate is a composite structure comprised by a plurality or layers or regions of differing composition or electrical conductivity. In an example, the common substrate is a metal-core printed circuit board comprised by a core layer of aluminum or copper surrounded by layers of insulating plastic. Through vias, solder masks and solder pads may be provided. In an example, the common substrate is a ceramic substrate comprised by a ceramic core plate clad in patterned metallic pads for bonding and electrical contact. The ceramic substrate may contain metal filled vias for providing electrical communication between both faces of the ceramic plate. In an example, the common substrate consists of a metal core or slug surrounded by an insulating material such as plastic or ceramic. The surrounding insulating material may contain through vias for electrical communication between the front and back faces of the substrate. The insulating material may also have metallic or otherwise conducting pads patterned on it for wire-bonding.

In an embodiment, the one or more laser diodes are attached to the common substrate with a solder material. In an example, the one or more laser diodes are attached to the metal traces on the common substrate with a solder material, preferably chosen from one or more of AuSn, AgCuSn, PbSn, or In.

In an embodiment, the wavelength conversion material is attached to the common substrate with a solder material. In an example, the wavelength conversion material is attached to the metal traces on the common substrate with a solder material, preferably chosen from one or more of AuSn, AgCuSn, PbSn, or In.

In an example, the wavelength conversion element contains an optically reflective material interposed between the wavelength conversion element and the thermally conductive connection to the common substrate.

In an embodiment, the optically reflective material interposed between the wavelength conversion element and the thermally conductive connection to the common substrate has a reflectivity value of greater than 50%. In an embodiment the optically reflective material interposed between the wavelength conversion element and the thermally conductive connection to the common substrate has a reflectivity value of greater than 80%. In an example, the optically reflective material interposed between the wavelength conversion element and the thermally conductive connection to the common substrate has a reflectivity value of greater than 90%. In an example, optical beam shaping elements are placed between the laser diodes and the wavelength conversion element.

In an embodiment, the wavelength conversion element contains geometrical features aligned to each of the one or more laser diodes. In an example, the wavelength conversion element further contains an optically reflective material on the predominate portion of the edges perpendicular to the common substrate and one or more laser diodes, and where the geometrical features aligned to each of the laser diodes does not contain an optically reflective material. In an example, the common substrate is optically transparent. In an example, the wavelength conversion element is partially attached to the transparent common substrate. In an example, the wavelength converted light is directed through the common substrate. In an example, the wavelength converter contains an optically reflective material on at least the top surface. In an example, the one or more laser diodes and the wavelength conversion element are contained within a sealing element to reduce the exposure to the ambient environment. In an example, the one or more laser diodes and the wavelength conversion element are contained within a sealing element to reduce the exposure to the ambient environment.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an off-axis reflective mode embodiment of an integrated laser-phosphor white light source according to the present invention. In this embodiment the gallium and nitrogen containing lift-off and transfer technique is deployed to fabricate a very small and compact submount member with the laser diode chip formed from transferred epitaxy layers. Further, in this example the phosphor is tilted with respect to the fast axis of the laser beam at an angle ω₁. The laser based white light device is comprised of a support member 1401 that serves as the support member for the laser diode CoS 1402 formed in transferred gallium and nitrogen containing epitaxial layers 1403. The phosphor material 1406 is mounted on a support member 1408 wherein the support members 1401 and 1408 would be attached to a common support member such as a surface in a package member such as a surface mount package. The laser diode or CoS is configured with electrodes 1404 and 1405 that may be formed with deposited metal layers and combination of metal layers including, but not limited to Au, Pd, Pt, Ni, Al, Ag titanium, or others such as transparent conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide. The laser beam output excites the phosphor material 1406 positioned in front of the output laser facet. The electrodes 1404 and 1405 are configured for an electrical connection to an external power source such as a laser driver, a current source, or a voltage source. Wirebonds can be formed on the electrodes to couple electrical power to the laser diode device to generate a laser beam 1407 output from the laser diode and incident on the phosphor 1406. Of course, this is merely an example of a configuration and there could be many variants on this embodiment including but not limited to different shape phosphors, different geometrical designs of the submount, support members, different orientations of the laser output beam with respect to the phosphor, different electrode and electrical designs, and others.

FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating an off-axis reflective mode phosphor with two laser diode devices embodiment of an integrated laser-phosphor white light source according to the present invention. In this embodiment the gallium and nitrogen containing lift-off and transfer technique is deployed to fabricate a very small and compact submount member with the laser diode chip formed from transferred epitaxy layers. Further, in this example the phosphor is tilted with respect to the fast axis of the laser beam at an angle ω₁. The laser based white light sources is comprised of two or more laser diodes including support members 1401 that serves as the support member for the two laser diodes 1402 formed in transferred gallium and nitrogen containing epitaxial layers 1403. The phosphor material 1406 is mounted on a support member 408 wherein the support members 1401 and 1408 would be attached to a common support member such as a surface in a package member such as a surface mount package. The laser diodes or CoS devices are configured with electrodes 1404 and 1405 that may be formed with deposited metal layers and combination of metal layers including, but not limited to Au, Pd, Pt, Ni, Al, Ag titanium, or others such as transparent conductive oxides such as indium tin oxide. The multiple laser beams 1407 excite the phosphor material 1406 positioned in front of the output laser facet.

Referring to FIG. 6B the laser diode excitation beams 1407 are rotated with respect to each other such that the fast axis of the first beam is aligned with the slow axis of the second beam to form a more circular excitation spot. The electrodes 1404 and 1405 are configured for an electrical connection to an external power source such as a laser driver, a current source, or a voltage source. Wirebonds can be formed on the electrodes to couple electrical power to the laser diode device to generate the multiple laser beams 1407 incident on the phosphor 1406. Of course this is merely an example of a configuration and there could be many variants on this embodiment including but not limited to more than two laser diodes such as three of four laser diodes, different shape phosphors, different geometrical designs of the submount, support members, different orientations of the laser output beam with respect to the phosphor, wiring the laser diodes in series or parallel, different electrode and electrical designs including individually addressable lasers, and others.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary laser based white light source operating in reflection mode and housed in a surface mount package according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7A, a reflective mode white light source is configured in a surface mount device (SMD) type package. The SMD package has a common support base member 1601. The reflective mode phosphor member 1602 is attached to the base member 1601. Optionally, an intermediate submount member may be included between the phosphor member 1602 and the base member 1601. The laser diode 1603 is mounted on an angled support member 1604, wherein the angled support member 1604 is attached to the base member 1601. The base member 1601 is configured to conduct heat away from the white light source and to a heat sink. The base member 1601 is comprised of a thermally conductive material such as copper, copper tungsten, aluminum, SiC, steel, diamond, composite diamond, AlN, sapphire, or other metals, ceramics, or semiconductors.

The mounting to the base member 1601 can be accomplished using a soldering or gluing technique such as using AuSn solders, SAC solders such as SAC305, lead containing solder, or indium, but can be others. Alternatively, sintered Ag pastes or films can be used for the attach process at the interface. Sintered Ag attach material can be dispensed or deposited using standard processing equipment and cycle temperatures with the added benefit of higher thermal conductivity and improved electrical conductivity. For example, AuSn has a thermal conductivity of about 50 W/m-K and electrical conductivity of about 16 μΩcm whereas pressureless sintered Ag can have a thermal conductivity of about 125 W/m-K and electrical conductivity of about 4 μΩcm, or pressured sintered Ag can have a thermal conductivity of about 250 W/m-K and electrical conductivity of about 2.5 μΩcm. Due to the extreme change in melt temperature from paste to sintered form, 260° C.-900° C., processes can avoid thermal load restrictions on downstream processes, allowing completed devices to have very good and consistent bonds throughout. The mounting joint could also be formed from thermally conductive glues, thermal epoxies such as silver epoxy, and other materials.

Electrical connections from the electrodes of the laser diode are made to using wirebonds 1605 to electrode members 1606. Wirebonds 1607 and 1608 are formed to internal feedthroughs 1609 and 1610. The feedthroughs are electrically coupled to external leads. The external leads can be electrically coupled to a power source to electrify the white light source and generate white light emission.

The top surface of the base member 1601 may be comprised of, coated with, or filled with a reflective layer to prevent or mitigate any losses relating from downward directed or reflected light. Moreover, all surfaces within the package including the laser diode and submount member may be enhanced for increased reflectivity to help improve the useful white light output.

In this configuration the white light source is not capped or sealed such that is exposed to the open environment. In some examples of this embodiment of the integrated white light source apparatus, an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element such as a transient voltage suppression (TVS) element is included. Of course, FIG. 7A is merely an example and is intended to illustrate one possible simple configuration of a surface mount packaged white light source. Specifically, since surface mount type packages are widely popular for LEDs and other devices and are available off the shelf, they could be one option for a low cost and highly adaptable solution.

FIG. 7B is an alternative example of a packaged white light source including 2 laser diode chips according to the present invention. In this example, a reflective mode white light source is configured also in a SMD type package. The SMD package has a base member 1601 with the reflective mode phosphor member 1602 mounted on a support member or on a base member. A first laser diode device 1613 may be mounted on a first support member 1614 or a base member 1601. A second laser diode device 1615 may be mounted on a second support member 1616 or a base member 1601. The support members and base member are configured to conduct heat away from the phosphor member 1602 and laser diode devices 1613 and 1615.

The external leads can be electrically coupled to a power source to electrify the laser diode sources to emit a first laser beam 1618 from the first laser diode device 1613 and a second laser beam 1619 from a second laser diode device 1615. The laser beams are incident on the phosphor member 1602 to create an excitation spot and a white light emission. The laser beams are preferably overlapped on the phosphor member 1602 to create an optimized geometry and/or size excitation spot. For example, the laser beams from the first and second laser diodes are rotated by 90 degrees with respect to each other such that the slow axis of the first laser beam 1618 is aligned with the fast axis of the second laser beam 1619.

The top surface of the base member 1601 may be comprised of, coated with, or filled with a reflective layer to prevent or mitigate any losses relating from downward directed or reflected light. Moreover, all surfaces within the package including the laser diode member and submount member may be enhanced for increased reflectivity to help improve the useful white light output. In this configuration the white light source is not capped or sealed such that is exposed to the open environment. In some examples of this embodiment of the integrated white light source apparatus, an ESD protection element such as a TVS element is included. Of course, FIG. 7B is merely an example and is intended to illustrate one possible simple configuration of a surface mount packaged white light source. Specifically, since surface mount type packages are widely popular for LEDs and other devices and are available off the shelf, they could be one option for a low cost and highly adaptable solution.

FIG. 7C is an alternative example of a packaged white light source according to the present invention. In this example, a reflective mode white light source is configured also in a SMD type package. The SMD package has a base member 1601 serving as a common support member for a side-pumped phosphor member 1622 mounted on a submount or support member 1623 and a laser diode device 1624 mounted on a submount or support member 1625. In some embodiments, the laser diode 1624 and or the phosphor member 1622 may be mounted directly to the base member 1601 of the package. The support members and base member 1601 are configured to conduct heat away from the phosphor member 1622 and laser diode device 1624. The base member 1601 is substantially the same type as that in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B in the SMD type package.

Electrical connections from the p-electrode and n-electrode can be electrically coupled to 1626 and 1627 electrodes on a submount member 1625 which would then be coupled to internal feedthroughs in the package. The feedthroughs are electrically coupled to external leads. The external leads can be electrically coupled to a power supply source to electrify the laser diode and generate a laser beam incident on the side of the phosphor member 1622. The phosphor member 1622 may preferably be configured for primary white light emission 1628 from the top surface of the phosphor member 1622. The top surface of the base member 1601 may be comprised of, coated with, or filled with a reflective layer to prevent or mitigate any losses relating from downward directed or reflected light. Moreover, all surfaces within the package including the laser diode member and submount member may be enhanced for increased reflectivity to help improve the useful white light output. In this configuration the white light source is not capped or sealed such that is exposed to the open environment. In some examples of this embodiment of the integrated white light source apparatus, an ESD protection element such as a TVS element is included.

The white light sources shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C can be enclosed in a number of ways to form a light engine. Optionally, the light engine is encapsulated in a molded epoxy or plastic cover (not shown). The molded cover may have a flat top or can be molded to have a curved or spherical surface to aid in light extraction. It is possible for the cover to be pre-molded and glued in place, or to be molded in place from liquid or gel precursors. Because a polymer cover or molded encapsulating material may absorb laser light or down converted light from the wavelength converting element there is a large risk that the encapsulating material will age due to heating and light absorption. When such a material ages, it tends to become more optically absorbing, leading to a runaway process that inevitably leads to device failure. In a laser based device, where the laser devices emit light with a very high brightness and optical flux, this aging effect is expected to be quite severe. It is preferred, then, for a polymer cover to be absent from the region near the emitting facets of the lasers as well as from the path of the laser beams between the laser devices and the wavelength converting element. Optionally, the molded cover does not contact the laser device nor the wavelength converting element, nor does it intersect the laser light beams prior to their intersecting the wavelength converting element. Optionally, the molded cover overlays and is in contact with a part or majority of the laser devices and the wavelength converting element but does not cover the emitting facet of the lasers nor the surface of the wavelength converting element, nor does it intersect the beam path of the laser light between the laser devices and the wavelength converting element. Optionally, the encapsulating material is molded over the device after wire bonding of the laser devices, and no air gaps or voids are included.

In another embodiment, the light engine is encapsulated using a rigid, member such as a ceramic or metal housing. For example, a stamped metal wall could be provided with dimensions close to those of the outer edge of the common substrate. The wall could be attached to the common substrate and an airtight seal formed using epoxy or another glue, metal solder, glass frit sealing and friction welding among other bonding techniques. The top edge of the wall could, for example, be sealed by attaching a transparent cover. The transparent cover may be composed of any transparent material, including silica-containing glass, sapphire, spinel, plastic, diamond and other various minerals. The cover may be attached to the wall using epoxy, glue, metal solder, glass frit sealing and friction welding among other bonding techniques appropriate for the cover material.

In some embodiments the enclosure may be fabricated directly on the common substrate using standard lithographic techniques similar to those used in processing of MEMS devices. Many light emitters such as laser diodes could be fabricated on the same common substrate and, once fabrication is complete, singulated in to separate devices using sawing, laser scribing or a like process.

In several preferred embodiments of the laser based smart lighting invention, the laser based light source is configured for communication. The communication could be intended for biological media such as humans such as pedestrians, consumers, athletes, police officers and other public servants, military, travelers, drivers, commuters, recreation activities, or other living things such as animals, plants, or other living objects. The communication could also be intended for objects such as cars or any type of auto including autonomous examples, airplanes, drones or other aircraft, which could be autonomous, or any wide range of objects such as street signs, roadways, tunnels, bridges, buildings, interior spaces in offices and residential and objects contained within, work areas, sports areas including arenas and fields, stadiums, recreational areas, and any other objects or areas. In some preferred embodiments the smart light source is used in Internet of Things (IoT), wherein the laser based smart light is used to communicate with objects such as household appliances (i.e., refrigerator, ovens, stove, etc.), lighting, heating and cooling systems, electronics, furniture such as couches, chairs, tables, beds, dressers, etc., irrigation systems, security systems, audio systems, video systems, etc. Clearly, the laser based smart lights can be configured to communicate with computers, smart phones, tablets, smart watches, augmented reality (AR) components, virtual reality (VR) components, games including game consoles, televisions, and any other electronic devices.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the laser light source can communicate with various methods. In one preferred method, the smart light is configured as a visible light communication (VLC) system such as a LiFi system wherein at least one spectral component of the electromagnetic radiation in the light source is modulated to encode data such that the light is transmitting data. In some examples, a portion of the visible spectrum is modulated and in other examples a non-visible source such as an infrared or ultraviolet source is included for communication. The modulation pattern or format could be a digital format or an analog format and would be configured to be received by an object or device. In some embodiments, communication could be executed using a spatial patterning of the light emission from the laser based smart light system. In an embodiment, a micro-display is used to pixelate or pattern the light, which could be done in a rapid dynamic fashion to communicate continuously flowing information or wherein the pattern is periodically changed to a static pattern to communicate a static message that could be updated. Examples of communication could be to inform individuals or crowds about upcoming events, what is contained inside a store, special promotions, provide instructions, education, sales, and safety. In an alternative embodiment, the shape or divergence angle of the emission beam is changed to a spotlight from a diffuse light or vice versa using a micro-display or a tunable lens such as a liquid crystal lens. Examples of communication could be to direct an individual or crowd, to warn about dangers, educate, or promote. In yet another embodiment of laser light based communication, the color of the smart lighting system could be changed from a cool white to a warm white, or even to a single color such as red, green, blue, or yellow, etc.

In general, laser spectra full widths at half max (FWHM) are very narrow, with even high-power devices with many lateral modes participating in lasing having spectra less than 2 nm wide. Blue LEDs typically have FWHMs of 20 nm or more. The narrow width of laser and SLED spectra is advantageous in that very narrow notch filters can be used to separate the laser spectrum from that emitted by the phosphor. More importantly, such narrow spectra allow for a type of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) where the VLC emitter is comprised by multiple laser sources illuminating a phosphor. The VLC emitter then emits a spectrum consisting of the broad phosphor emission plus the emission from the multiple lasers wherein the lasers could have slightly different wavelengths and be used as separate communication channels. As an example, the VLC receiver for such a VLC light engine could include multiple detectors, each with a “notch” or “band-pass” filter corresponding to the various wavelengths of light in the spectrum from the emitter. Each detector in the VLC receiver, then, collects light from a corresponding laser provided in the VLC light engine, and due to the narrowness of the laser light spectrum there is minimal interference between the laser sources and minimal loss of the laser power at the corresponding detector due to the notch-filters. Such a configuration is advantageous in that it increases the bandwidth of the VLC light engine proportionally to the number of laser devices. In other embodiments, a single detector can be used with a dynamic filtering function that sequentially tunes for each wavelength communication channel.

It is to be understood that in embodiments, the VLC light engine is not limited to a specific number of laser devices. In a specific embodiment, the light engine includes a single laser device acting as a “pump” light-source, and which is either a laser diode or SLED device emitting at a center wavelength between 390 nm and 480 nm. Herein, a “pump” light-source is a laser diode or SLED device that illuminates as wavelength converting element such that a part or all laser light from the laser diode or SLED device is converted into longer wavelength light by the wavelength converting element. The spectral width of the pump light-source is preferably less than 2 nm, though widths up to 20 nm would be acceptable. In another embodiment, the VLC light engine consists of two or more laser or SLED “pump” light-sources emitting with center wavelengths between 380 nm and 480 nm, with the center wavelengths of individual pump light sources separated by at least 5 nm. The spectral width of the laser light source is preferably less than 2 nm, though widths up to 75% of the center wavelength separation would be acceptable. The pump light source illuminates a phosphor which absorbs the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. Each pump light source is individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels.

Encoding of information for communication by the laser or SLED can be accomplished through a variety of methods. Most basically, the intensity of the LD or SLED could be varied to produce an analog or digital representation of an audio signal, video image or picture or any type of information. An analog representation could be one where the amplitude or frequency of variation of the LD or SLED intensity is proportional to the value of the original analog signal.

A primary benefit of the present invention including a laser diode-based or SLED-based lighting systems is that both laser diodes and SLEDs operate with stimulated emission wherein the direct modulation rates are not governed by carrier lifetime such as LEDs, which operate with spontaneous emission. Specifically, the modulation rate or frequency response of LEDs is inversely proportional to the carrier lifetime and proportional to the electrical parasitics [i.e., RC time constant] of the diode and device structure. Since carrier lifetimes are on the order of nanoseconds for LEDs, the frequency response is limited to the MHz range, typically in the 100s of MHz (i.e., 300-500 MHz). Additionally, since high power or mid power LEDs typically used in lighting require large diode areas on the order of 0.25 to 2 mm², the intrinsic capacitance of the diode is excessive and can further limit the modulation rate. On the contrary, laser diodes operate under stimulated emission wherein the modulation rates are governed by the photon lifetime, which is on the order of picoseconds, and can enable modulation rates in the GHz range, from about 1 to about 30 GHz depending on the type of laser structure, the differential gain, the active region volume, and optical confinement factor, and the electrical parasitics. As a result, VLC systems based on laser diodes can offer 10×, 100×, and potentially 1000× higher modulation rates, and hence data rates, compared to VLC systems based on LEDs. Since VLC (i.e., LiFi) systems in general can provide higher data rates than WiFi systems, laser based LiFi systems can enable 100× to 10,000× the data rate compared to conventional WiFi systems offering enormous benefits for delivering data in applications demand high data volumes such as where there are a large number of users (e.g., stadiums) and/or where the nature of the data being transferred requires a volume of bits (e.g., gaming).

To maximize the modulation of response of laser diodes, high differential gain, low active region volume, low optical confinement, and low electrical parasitics are desired to enable higher modulation bandwidths. High differential gain can be achieved with optimized active material quality and/or with the use of novel materials such as nonpolar and semipolar GaN. Low active region volume can be achieved with active region designs comprised of few quantum wells such as 1 to 3 quantum wells and thin such as quantum wells such as thicknesses ranging from 2 to 8 nm or from 3 to 6 nm, along with minimized cavity area. To minimize cavity area in edge emitting laser diodes the stripe width and the cavity length can be minimized. In conventional high power [i.e., multi-watt] edge emitting laser diodes the cavity lengths may be longer than 1 mm and up to or greater than 2 mm and the cavity widths typically support multi-lateral modes with dimensions greater than 3 μm, greater than 6 μm, greater than 12 μm, greater than 20 μm, greater than 30 μm, greater than 40 μm, greater than 60 μm, or greater 80 μm. These multi-lateral mode high power GaN based edge emitting laser diodes have relatively large active areas and thus may have 3 dB frequency response bandwidth limited to less than 3 GHz, less than 5 GHz or less than 10 GHz.

By using narrower cavity or shorter cavity laser architectures, higher bandwidth can be achieved. In some embodiments according to the present invention laser diodes with reduced active area are included in the laser based smart light device. For example, single lateral mode short-cavity GaN lasers could be included to serve primary function of data transmission along with high power GaN laser to serve primary function of generating white light by exciting one or more wavelength conversion members.

Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are laser diode devices wherein the optical cavity is orthogonal to the epitaxial growth direction. These structures have very short cavity lengths dictated by the epitaxial growth thickness wherein high reflectivity distributed bragg reflectors (DBR) terminating each end of the cavity. The extremely small cavity length and hence cavity area of VCSELs makes them ideal for high speed modulation, wherein modulation bandwidths of greater than 10 GHz, greater than 20 GHz, and greater than 30 GHz are possible. In some embodiments of the present invention VCSELs can be included. Such VCSELs may be based on GaN and related materials, InP and related material, or GaAs and related materials.

Low RC time constant can be achieved by keeping the diode area small, the thickness of the depletion or intrinsic region large, and minimized capacitance contribution from the device structure. Laser diode and other diode devices are comprised of two primary sources of capacitance that can be modeled as a simple parallel plate capacitor. The first is the active region itself wherein the active area defines the area of the capacitor, and the depletion width dictates the parallel plate spacing. Thus, reducing the diode area both improves modulation response by reducing photon lifetime and by reducing the capacitance. The second major capacitance contribution comes from electrical bond pad area such as the anode and/or the cathode. To minimize this parasitic capacitance, bond pads and other electrical features should be design carefully to minimize area and increase the spacing of the two charged plates. Along with using small bond pad areas thick dielectrics (of about 200 nm to 10,000 nm) or low k dielectrics such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) can be employed below the metal bond pad to reduce the capacitance. Or more simply, thickness of conventional dielectric materials such as SiO₂ or Si_(x)N_(y) can be designed for minimized capacitance. In a preferred embodiment, the epitaxial transfer method is used to form a GaN based laser diode on a carrier wafer, wherein the carrier wafer is a semi-insulating substrate. Since a majority of the bond pad area is formed on semi-insulating substrate, the capacitance is minimized and should enable increased modulation rates relative to laser diodes formed using conventional fabrication technology.

The above description focuses primarily on the direct modulation of the laser diode source itself, but in other embodiments of the present invention separate elements are included to perform the modulation of the carrier signal generated by the laser diode. These separate elements include electroabsorption modulators (EAMs), which rely on the preferential absorption of the carrier signal with reverse bias, or Mach-Zhender Interferometers (MZI). The benefits of EAM and MZI modulators include higher modulation rates and negative chirp. The separate modulation elements could be monolithically integrated on the same chip as the laser diode connected by a waveguide using any number of integration schemes or discretely included as separated chip where the optical output of the laser diode would need to be coupled to the modulator. This could be accomplished with free-spacing coupling, with fiber coupling, or with using optics. In some preferred embodiments, the laser diode and modulator are formed on the same carrier wafer using the epitaxial transfer technology described in this invention to form GaN laser diodes.

The carrier signal from the laser based light source in this smart lighting invention can be modulated in any available modulation format to transmit data with visible light communication or LiFi. For example, the modulation can be amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM). Common AM modulation schemes include, double-sideband modulation (DSB), double-sideband modulation with carrier (DSB-WC) (used on the AM radio broadcasting band), double-sideband suppressed-carrier transmission (DSB-SC), double-sideband reduced carrier transmission (DSB-RC), single-sideband modulation (SSB, or SSB-AM), single-sideband modulation with carrier (SSB-WC), single-sideband modulation suppressed carrier modulation (SSB-SC), vestigial sideband modulation (VSB, or VSB-AM), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Similarly, common digital FM modulation techniques are based on keying including PSK (phase-shift keying) where a finite number of phases are used, FSK (frequency-shift keying) where a finite number of frequencies are used, ASK (amplitude-shift keying) where a finite number of amplitudes are used, and QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) where a finite number of at least two phases and at least two amplitudes are used. There are several variations of each of these listed digital modulation techniques, which can be included in the invention. The most common variant of ASK is simple on-off keying (OOK). Additional modulation schemes include continuous phase modulation (CPM) methods, minimum-shift keying (MSK), Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK), continuous-phase frequency-shift keying (CPFSK), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation, discrete multitone (DMT), including adaptive modulation and bit-loading, and wavelet modulation.

Digital encoding is common encoding scheme where the data to be transmitted is represented as numerical information and then varying the LD or SLED intensity in a way that corresponds to the various values of the information. As an example, the LD or SLED could be turned fully on and off with the on and off states correlated to binary values or could be turned to a high intensity state and a low intensity state that represent binary values. The latter would enable higher modulation rates as the turn-on delay of the laser diode would be avoided. The LD or SLED could be operated at some base level of output with a small variation in the output representing the transmitted data superimposed on the base level of output. This is analogous to having a DC offset or bias on a radiofrequency or audio signal. The small variation may be in the form of discrete changes in output that represent one or more bits of data, though this encoding scheme is prone to error when many levels of output are used to more efficiently encode bits. For example, two levels may be used, representing a single binary digit or bit. The levels would be separated by some difference in light output. A more efficient encoding would use 4 discrete light output levels relative to the base level, enabling one value of light output to represent any combination of two binary digits or bits. The separation between light output levels is proportional to n−1, where n is the number of light output levels. Increasing the efficiency of the encoding in this way results in smaller differences in the signal differentiating encoded values and thus to a higher rate of error in measuring encoded values.

Return to zero (RZ) and non return to zero (NRZ) protocols are common variants of OOK digital encoding formats. Another encoding scheme is to encode binary values into the rising for falling edge of a change in the light intensity between a low and high value. For example, Manchester phase encoding (MPE) could be used, where binary values are represented by a rising or falling of the signal intensity between two levels at a particular point in the cycle of a master clock or timing signal. This can be extended to differential MPE where a binary value is transmitted by either leaving the signal at the beginning of the nth clock cycle the same as the previous cycle or changing the signal level. There is, then, only one signal level change per clock cycle such that the average period of the signal change can be used to keep in sync with the master clock. Another example encoding scheme is non-return-to-zero inverted (NRZI), where the signal levels representing ones and zeros will switch to be opposite that of the previous cycle. This ensures a signal level change occurs only at the edges of master clock cycles. Of course, any of these encoding schemes could be expanded to include multiple amplitude levels as in for example pulsed amplitude modulation where various combinations of the timing of a signal transition in the master clock cycle as well as the signal amplitude are used to encode multiple bits of data.

An alternative is to superimpose a periodic signal on the base level, a sine or cosine for example, and then encode binary values by shifting one or more of the amplitude, frequency or phase of the signal. This would be equivalent of amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM) and phase modulation in radio transmission encoding schemes. Another possibility is to combine multiple periodic signals of the same period but out of phase and vary both the amplitude and phase shift between the two signals such that combinations of amplitude and phase shift represent various combinations of bit values. For example, a system with two values of amplitude and phase shift could encode a two-bit, binary sequence; i.e. 00, 01, 10, 11. Other encoding schemes are possible. Superimposing a small signal on a base level of output has the advantage that the time average power of the small signal relative to the base level can be kept near or at zero such that the apparent brightness to the eye of the emitter will be dominated by the base level of output rather than the signal. In the PWM encoding scheme or any scheme where the emitter is modulated over a significant portion of its output range the apparent brightness of the device will vary depending on the data transmitted, e.g. transmitting all zeros or all ones will lead to an emitter that is either mostly on or off In other embodiments, coherent detection schemes are used to detect the data stream from the laser diode-based VLC systems.

Multiplexing or combining of multiple analog message signals or digital data streams into a single signal over a shared medium. It is possible to combine laser or SLED light sources in an embodiment of this invention such that the individual signals from the plurality of light sources can be differentiated at the receiver. One method of this would be wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). As mentioned in previously described embodiments, multiple laser or SLED light sources could be combined in a single light engine with center wavelengths chosen to be separated sufficiently that narrow, optical band-pass or “notch” filters could be used at the VLC receiver to filter out the majority of light at wavelengths not corresponding to an individual laser or SLED device.

In an example embodiment, a light engine contains 3 blue lasers acting as pump light sources emitting spectra with FWHMs of 2 nm and center wavelengths of 440, 450 and 460 nm. These pump light sources illuminate a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light engine is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted from the light-engine. Each pump light source is independently addressable and is controlled by a laser driver module configured to generate pulse-modulated light signal at a modulation frequency range of about 50 to 500 MHz, 500 MHz to 5 GHz, 5 GHz to 20 GHz, or greater than 20 GHz. The data transfer bandwidth of the light engine is three times larger than that of a light engine with one laser pump light source. A properly configured VLC receiver would be able to receive data independently and simultaneously on the 440, 450 and 460 nm communication channels. For example, a VLC receiver may detect VLC signals using three photodetectors capable of measuring pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 5 GHz, 5 GHz to 20 GHz, or greater than 20 GHz. The light entering each photodetector is filtered by a narrow band-pass filter (band pass width less than 10 nm) and center wavelength centered on the emitted wavelength of either 440, 450 or 460 nm. It should be understood that this example embodiment should not be limiting of the number of blue pump laser devices or their distribution of center point wavelengths. For example, in a specific embodiment the device may have 2, 3, 4, 5 or more pump light sources with center point wavelengths spanning the range of 400 nm to 470 nm. In alternative preferred embodiments, the device may have 6 or more, 12 or more, 100 or more, or 1000 or more laser diode or SLED pump light sources, where some or all of the laser diode or SLED devices could be operated as a discrete communication channel to scale the aggregate bandwidth of the communication system.

In an embodiment, multiplexing is achieved by varying the polarization direction of light emitted from two or more laser or SLED light sources. Light emitted from a laser or SLED can be highly polarized, such that multiple lasers or SLEDs in a light engine could be configured such that when emitted from the light engine separate data communication channels have different polarization directions. A VLC receiver with polarization filters could distinguish signals from the two channels and thereby increase the bandwidth of the VLC transmission.

FIG. 8A shows a functional block diagram for a basic laser diode based VLC-enabled laser light source or “light engine” that can function as a white light source for general lighting and display applications and also as a transmitter for visible light communication such as LiFi. Referring to FIG. 8A, the white light source includes three subsystems. The first subsystem is the light emitter 1509, which consists of either a single laser device or a plurality of laser devices (1503, 1504, 1505 and 1506). The laser devices are configured such that the laser light from each laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element 1507 such as a phosphor which absorbs part or the entirety of the laser light from one or more laser devices and converts it into a broader spectrum of lower energy photons. The second subsystem is the control unit 1510, which includes at least a laser driver 1502 and a VLC modem 1501. The laser driver 1502 powers and modulates the laser devices (1503, 1504, 1505 and 1506) to enable them for visible light communications. Optionally, the laser driver 1502 at least can drive one laser device independently of the rest. The VLC modem 1501 is configured to receive digitally encoded data from one or more data sources (wired or wirelessly) and convert the digitally encoded data into analog signals which determine the output of the laser driver 1502. The modulation of the laser light by the laser driver based on the encoded data can be either digital, with the emitted power of the laser being varied between two or more discrete levels, or it can be based on the variation of the laser intensity with a time-varying pattern where data is encoded in the signal by way of changes in the amplitude, frequency, phase, phase-shift between two or more sinusoidal variations that are summed together, and the like.

In an example, as used herein, the term “modem” refers to a communication device. The device can also include a variety of other data receiving and transferring devices for wireless, wired, cable, or optical communication links, and any combination thereof. In an example, the device can include a receiver with a transmitter, or a transceiver, with suitable filters and analog front ends. In an example, the device can be coupled to a wireless network such as a meshed network, including Zigbee, Zeewave, and others. In an example, the wireless network can be based upon a 802.11 wireless standard or equivalents. In an example, the wireless device can also interface to telecommunication networks, such as 3G, LTE, 5G, and others. In an example, the device can interface into a physical layer such as Ethernet or others. The device can also interface with an optical communication including a laser coupled to a drive device or an amplifier. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In some preferred embodiments the output of the laser driver is configured for a digital signal. The third subsystem is an optional beam shaper 1508. The light emitted from the wavelength converting element 1507 (which absorbed the incident laser light) as well as unabsorbed, scattered laser light passes through the beam shaper 1508 which directs, collimates, focuses or otherwise modifies the angular distribution of the light. After the beam shaper 1508 the light is formulated as a communication signal to propagate either through free-space or via a waveguide such as an optical fiber. The light engine, i.e., the laser based white light source is provided as a VLC-enabled light source. Optionally, the beam shaper 1508 may be disposed prior to the light incident to the wavelength converting element 1507. Optionally, alternate beam shapers are disposed at optical paths both before and after the wavelength converting element 1507.

In some embodiments, additional beam shapers would be included between the laser diode members and the wavelength converter element to precondition the pump beam before it is incident on the phosphor. For example, in a preferred embodiment the laser or SLED emission would be collimated prior to incidence with the wavelength converter such that the laser light excitation spot would have a specified and controlled size and location.

For a single laser based VLC light source, this configuration offers the advantage that white light can be created from combination of a laser-pumped phosphor and the residual, unconverted blue light from the laser. When the laser is significantly scattered it will have a Lambertian distribution similar to the light emitted by the wavelength converting element, such that the projected spot of light has uniform color over angle and position as well as power of delivered laser light that scales proportionally to the white light intensity. For wavelength converting elements that do not strongly scatter laser light, the beam shaping element can be configured such that the pump and down converted are collected over similar areas and divergence angles resulting in a projected spot of light with uniform color over angle, color over position within the spot, as well as power of delivered laser light that scales proportionally to the white light intensity. This embodiment is also advantageous when implemented in a configuration provided with multiple pump lasers in that it allows for the pump laser light from the plurality of lasers to be overlapped spatially on the wavelength converting element to form a spot of minimal size. This embodiment is also advantageous in that all lasers can be used to pump the wavelength converting element-assuming the lasers provided emit at wavelengths which are effective at pumping the wavelength converting element-such that power required from any one laser is low and thus allowing for either use of less-expensive lower-power lasers to achieve the same total white light output or allowing for under-driving of higher-power lasers to improve system reliability and lifetime.

FIG. 8B shows another functional diagram for a basic laser diode based VLC-enabled light source for general lighting and display applications and also as a transmitter for visible light communication. Referring to FIG. 8B, the white light source includes three subsystems. The first subsystem is the light emitter 1530, which consists of a wavelength converting element 1527 and either a single laser device or a plurality of laser devices 1523, 1524, 1525 and 1526. The laser devices are configured such that the laser light from a subset of the laser devices 1523 and 1524 is partially or fully converted by the wavelength converting element 1527 into a broader spectrum of lower energy photons. Another subset of the laser devices 1525 and 1526 is not converted, though they may be incident on the wavelength converting element. The second subsystem is the control unit 1520 including at least a laser driver 1522 and a VLC modem 1521. The laser driver 1522 is configured to power and modulate the laser devices. Optionally, the laser driver 1522 is configured to driver at least one laser device independently of the rest among the plurality of laser devices (e.g., 1523, 1524, 1525 and 1526). The VLC modem 1521 is configured to couple (wired or wirelessly) with a digital data source and to convert digitally encoded data into analog signals which determine the output of the laser driver 1522. The third subsystem is an optional beam shaping optical element 1540. The light emitted from the wavelength converting element 1527 as well as unabsorbed, scattered laser light passes through the beam shaping optical element 1540 which directs, collimates, focuses or otherwise modifies the angular distribution of the light into a formulated visible light signal.

In some embodiments, additional beam shapers would be included between the laser diode members and the wavelength converter element to precondition the pump light beam before it is incident on the phosphor. For example, in a preferred embodiment the laser or SLED emission would be collimated prior to incidence with the wavelength converter such that the laser light excitation spot would have a specified and controlled size and location. The light signal then leaves the light engine and propagates either through free-space or via a waveguide such as an optical fiber. In an embodiment, the non-converted laser light is incident on the wavelength converting element 1527, however the non-converted laser light is efficiently scattered or reflected by the wavelength converting element 1527 such that less than 10% of the incident light is lost to absorption by the wavelength converting element 1527.

This embodiment has the advantage that one or more of the data transmitting lasers is not converted by the wavelength converting element. This could be because the one or more lasers are configured such that they are not incident on the element or because the lasers do not emit at a wavelength that is efficiently converted by the wavelength converting element. In some examples, the non-converted light might be cyan, green or red in color and may be used to improve the color rendering index of the white light spectrum while still providing a channel for the transmission of data. Because the light from these lasers is not converted by the wavelength converting element, lower power lasers can be used, which allows for lower device costs as well as enabling single lateral optical mode devices which have even narrower spectra than multi-mode lasers. Narrower laser spectra would allow for more efficient wavelength-division multiplexing in VLC light sources.

Another advantage is that the lasers that bypass the wavelength converting element may be configured to allow for highly saturated spectra to be emitted from the VLC capable light source. For example, depending on the wavelength converting element material and configuration, it may not be possible to have a blue laser incident on the wavelength converting element that is not partially converted to longer wavelength light. This means that it would be impossible to use such a source to produce a highly saturated blue spectrum as there would always be a significant component of the emitted spectrum consisting of longer wavelength light. By having an additional blue laser source, which is not incident on the wavelength converting element, such a source could emit both a white light spectrum as well as a saturated blue spectrum. Addition of green and red emitting lasers would allow the light source to emit a white light spectrum by down conversion of a blue or violet pump laser as well as saturated, color-tunable spectra able to produce multiple spectra with color points ranging over a wide area of the color gamut.

Referring back to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 7C, showing several embodiments of the VLC-enabled solid-state white light source in a SMD type package. Optionally, the wedge-shaped members 1401, 1604, 1614, and 1616 in the SMD package are configured such that the laser light from each of multiple laser devices is incident on the wavelength converting element 1406 or 1602 with an angle of 10 to 45 degrees from the plane of the wavelength converting element's upper. Optionally, the wavelength converting element 1602 is bonded to the common substrate 1601 using a solder material. Optionally, the bonded surface of the wavelength converting element 1602 is provided with an adhesion promoting layer such as a Ti/Pt/Au metal stack. Optionally, the adhesion promoting layer includes as first layer that is highly reflective. Optionally, the adhesion promoting layers could be Ag/Ti/Pt/Au, where Ag is adjacent to the wavelength converting element and provides a highly reflective surface below the wavelength converting element. The laser devices are connected electrically to the backside solder pads using wire bonding between electrical contact pads on the laser device chips and the top-side wire-bond pads on the common substrate. Optionally, only one of the multiple laser devices in the SMD packaged white light source is a blue pump light source with a center wavelength of between 405 and 470 nm. Optionally, the wavelength converting element is a YAG-based phosphor plate which absorbs the pump light and emits a broader spectrum of yellow-green light such that the combination of the pump light spectra and phosphor light spectra produces a white light spectrum. The color point of the white light is preferably located within du′v′ of less than 0.03 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points. Optionally, one of the multiple laser devices is a green light emitting laser diode with a center wavelength between 500 and 540 nm and one of the multiple laser devices is a red-light emitting laser diode with a center wavelength ranging between 600 and 650 nm. Addition of diffusely reflected red and green laser light to the spectrum of the phosphor-based wavelength converting element and the blue pump laser device results in a white light source with dynamically adjustable color point as well as the capacity to transmit data simultaneously and independently by wavelength division multiplexing of the three laser sources of different center wavelengths.

Use of multiple lasers of same wavelength allows for running each laser at a lower power than what one would do with only one pump laser for a fixed power of emitted white light spectrum. Addition of red and green lasers which are not converted allow for adjusting the color point of the emitted spectrum. Given a single blue emitter, so long as the conversion efficiency of the wavelength converting element does not saturate with pump laser intensity, the color point of the white light spectrum is fixed at a single point in the color space which is determined by the color of the blue laser, the down-converted spectrum emitted by the wavelength converting element, and the ratio of the power of the two spectra, which is determined by the down-conversion efficiency and the amount of pump laser light scattered by the wavelength converting element. By the addition of an independently controlled green laser, the final color point of the spectrum can be pulled above the Planckian blackbody locus of points. By addition of an independently controlled red laser, the final color point of the spectrum can be pulled below the Planckian blackbody locus of points. By the addition of independently controlled violet or cyan colored lasers, with wavelengths not efficiently absorbed by the wavelength converting element, the color point can be adjusted back towards the blue side of the color gamut. Since each laser is independently driven, the time-average transmitted power of each laser can be tailored to allow for fine adjustment of the color point and CRI of the final white light spectrum.

Optionally, multiple blue pump lasers might be used with respective center wavelengths of 420, 430, and 440 nm while non-converted green and red laser devices are used to adjust the color point of the device's spectrum. Optionally, the non-converted laser devices need not have center wavelengths corresponding to red and green light. For example, the non-converted laser device might emit in the infra-red region at wavelengths between 800 nm and 2 microns. Such a light engine would be advantageous for communication as the infra-red device, while not adding to the luminous efficacy of the white light source, or as a visible light source with a non-visible channel for communications. This allows for data transfer to continue under a broader range of conditions and could enable for higher data rates if the non-visible laser configured for data transmission was more optimally suited for high-speed modulation such as a telecom laser or vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). Another benefit of using a non-visible laser diode for communication allows the VLC-enabled white light source to use a non-visible emitter capable of effectively transmitting data even when the visible light source is turned off for any reason in applications.

In some embodiments, specialized gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes may be included for more optimal VLC functionality. In one example a lower power or single lateral mode laser may be included to provide a higher modulation rate and hence a higher data transmission capability. Lower power lasers typically require a reduced active region volume and hence shorter photon lifetime and lower parasitic capacitance enabling higher modulation frequencies. Additional measures can be taken such as the use of low k dielectrics to reduce capacitance or the electrodes, the addition of traveling wave type of electrodes, and electrodes configured for high speed. In one embodiment one or more gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes configured for data transmission are included in addition to the primary phosphor excitation laser diode. The data transmission laser diode is capable of 3 dB modulation rates higher than 5 GHz, higher than 10 GHz, or higher than 20 GHz.

In some embodiments, the white light source is configured to be a smart light source having a beam shaping optical element. Optionally, the beam shaping optical element provides an optical beam where greater than 80% of the emitted light is contained within an emission angle of 30 degrees. Optionally, the beam shaping element provides an optical beam where greater than 80% of the emitted light is contained within an emission angle of 10 degrees. Optionally, the white light source can be formed within the commonly accepted standard shape and size of existing MR, PAR, and AR111 lamps. Optionally, the white light source further contains an integrated electronic power supply to electrically energize the laser based light module. Optionally, the white light source further contains an integrated electronic power supply with input power within the commonly accepted standards. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In some embodiments, the smart light source containing at least a laser based light module has one or more beam steering elements to enable communication. Optionally, the beam steering element provides a reflective element that can dynamically control the direction of propagation of the emitted laser light. Optionally, the beam steering element provides a reflective element that can dynamically control the direction of propagation of the emitted laser light and the light emitted from the wavelength converting element. Optionally, the smart light white light source further contains an integrated electronic power supply to electrically energize the beam steering elements. Optionally, the smart light white light source further contains an integrated electronic controller to dynamically control the function of the beam steering elements.

Smart lighting requires spatial control of the light beam in order to achieve a variety of illumination effects that can be shone in a static fashion upon demand, or that can be varied with time to produce dynamic light patterns. The ideal smart lighting spatial beam patterns include basic matrix light beam illumination capability of 25 pixels, to a higher resolution of pixels such as VGA 640×480 pixels, to HD 1920×1080 pixels, to UHD such as 3840λ2160 and 7680×4320. The illumination pattern should be adaptable from a broad high angle floodlight to narrow beam angle spotlight. The illumination module should be highly compact, and highly efficient by passing more than 50% of the light. The illumination module should be robust, so as to withstand typical mechanical shock and vibration associated with consumer and automotive products.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a dynamic laser based light source or light projection apparatus including a micro-display element to provide a dynamic beam steering, beam patterning, or beam pixelating affect. Micro-displays such as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, or “flying mirror”, a digital light processing (DLP) chip or digital mirror device (DMD), or a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) can be included to dynamically modify the spatial pattern and/or color of the emitted light. In one embodiment the light is pixelated to activate certain pixels and not activate other pixels to form a spatial pattern or image of white light. In another example, the dynamic light source is configured for steering or pointing the light beam. The steering or pointing can be accomplished by a user input configured from a dial, switch, or joystick mechanism or can be directed by a feedback loop including sensors.

One approach to achieve dynamic light beam control is with a scanning MEMS mirror that actively steers the laser beam so that the reflected beam is incident on different points of the same phosphor assembly, or on different phosphor assemblies. This approach has the advantage of high optical efficiency, with more than 80% of the light being reflected off of the MEMS mirror and onto the phosphor for efficient down conversion. The down converted light from the phosphor is then captured with optics, forming a spatial beam pattern after the optics that is varied as the deflection of the MEMS mirror changes. The scanning MEMS mirror can be based on actuators that are electromagnetic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, or electrothermal, pneumatic, and shape memory alloy. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would produce high deflection angles more than 10 degrees. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would be low in power consumption less than 100 mW, or even less than 1 mW, with a low driving voltage <5V. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would have high scan frequencies capable of producing HD resolution. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would be robust under shock and vibration that are greater than 2000 g. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would be capable of performing resonant operation for vector pointing. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would be capable of providing high reflectivity, i.e., >80% and ideally >99%, for high power operation. Optionally, the MEMS mirrors for smart lighting would be produced by simple fabrication techniques for low cost. For example, single biaxial 2D mirror design (instead of 1D mirror design) can be achieved for low cost and simple architecture.

In an embodiment, a MEMS scanning mirror micro-display is included in the device and is configured to steer a beam of light by reflecting the light at a predetermined angle that can be dynamically modulated. In one example, the MEMS scanning mirror is configured to steer a collimated beam of laser excitation light from the one or more laser diodes to generate a predetermined spatial and/or temporal pattern of excitation light on the phosphor member. In this example the micro-display is upstream of the wavelength converter member in the optical pathway. At least a portion of the wavelength converted light from the phosphor member could then be recollimated or shaped using a beam shaping element such as an optical lens. In a second example the MEMS is configured to steer a collimated beam of at least a partially wavelength converted light to generate a predetermined spatial and/or temporal pattern of converted light onto a target surface or into a target space. In this example the micro-display is downstream of the wavelength converter member in the optical pathway. MEMS scanning mirrors or microscanners are configured for dynamic spatial modulation wherein the modulatory movement of a single mirror can be either translatory or rotational, on one or two axes. For translation modulation a phase shifting effect to the light takes place. For rotational modulation the MEMS scanning mirror is deflected at an angle determined by the rotational angular position of the mirror upon deflection. The deflecting scanning mirror causes an incident light beam to be reflected at an angle based on the degree of deflection. Such scanning mirror technology is capable of providing a high-definition video such as 1080P or 4K resolution to enable crisply defined spatial patterning of a white light source based on laser diodes and a wavelength converter.

The MEMS microscanning chips included in this invention can have dimensions of less than 1 mm×1 mm, equal to or greater than 1 mm×1 mm, greater than about 3 mm×3 mm, greater than about 5 mm×5 mm, or greater than about 10 mm×10 mm wherein the optimum size will be selected based on the application including the optical power and diameter of the collimated beam the microscanner is configured to reflect. In some embodiments specialized high reflectivity coatings are used on the MEMS microscanner chips to prevent absorption of the light beam within the chip, which can cause heating and failure of the MEMS chip if the power is too high. For example, the coating material could have a reflectivity greater than about 95%, greater than about 99%, greater than about 99.9%, or greater. The scan frequencies range between from about less than 0.1 to greater than 50 kHz wherein deflection movement is either resonant or quasi-static. Mechanical deflection angles of the microscanning devices reach greater than about ±30°, wherein the tilting movement can dynamically direct the collimated light over a projection plane or into a space. The forces used to initiate the microscanner deflection can include electromagnetic forces, electrostatic forces, thermo-electric forces, and piezo-electric forces.

In the case of electrothermal actuated MEMS mirrors, typically, a voltage is applied to the device, and current flows through it causing heating. When heating occurs to two materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion such as a bimetallic device, one material expands more than the other, and the actuator bends to accommodate different deflections depending on the voltage and current provided. Another approach is to electrically activate two similar or identical materials that have different geometrical properties and therefore different electrical resistances, causing different heating for each portion of the device, and resulting in actuator deflection. Such devices can be driven in both resonant and non-resonant mode. While such approaches are rugged and insensitive to shock and vibration and can be quite simple and elegant to manufacture, they suffer from limited bandwidth, high power consumption, and inadequate scanning angles.

Another approach is piezoelectric MEMS mirrors, which operate on the principle that stress can be induced in a material by an electric field that is applied to the actuator. While such approaches can have fast response and high bandwidth and robust operation over shock and vibration, they require high driving voltage and the actuator deflection angle is difficult to control.

A common MEMS mirror design uses electrostatic actuators which rely on a change in stationary electric fields to generate mechanical motion. These have the advantage of low complexity fabrication, reliable operation, and low power consumption. However, they have relatively low torque and limited bandwidth, are sensitive to shock and vibration, and require high driving voltages. Parallel plate approaches are common but result in resonant operation and are not capable of vector scanning. Non-resonant mode designs are possible using vertical or rotary comb designs.

Another common MEMS mirror design uses electromagnetic actuators, which typically include coils on the backs of the mirrors interact with permanent magnetic fields to provide actuation. These designs offer low voltage, high bandwidth, and insensitivity to shock and vibration, and provide large deflection angles, but require higher power consumption than other approaches such as electrostatic. A common approach is to utilize resonant mode designs for low complexity fabrication, but this constrains the operating mode to be scanned continuously, without the potential for static beam pointing or vector scanning. Non-resonant mode designs are used for applications requiring vector scanning, and challenges include complex fabrication.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a dynamic laser based light source or light projection apparatus including a housing having an aperture. The apparatus can include an input interface for receiving a signal to activate the dynamic feature of the light source. The apparatus can include a video or signal processing module. Additionally, the apparatus includes a light source based on a laser source. The laser source includes a violet laser diode or blue laser diode. The dynamic light feature output comprised from a phosphor emission excited by the output beam of a laser diode, or a combination of a laser diode and a phosphor member. The violet or blue laser diode is fabricated on a polar, nonpolar, or semipolar oriented Ga-containing substrate. The apparatus can include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, or “flying mirror”, configured to project the laser light or laser pumped phosphor white light to a specific location to the outside world. By rastering the laser beam using the MEMS mirror a pixel in two dimensions can be formed to create a pattern or image.

According to another embodiment, the present invention includes a housing having an aperture and an input interface for receiving signals such as frames of images. The dynamic light system also includes a processing module. In an embodiment, the processing module is electrically coupled to an ASIC for driving the laser diode and the MEMS scanning mirrors.

In an embodiment, a laser driver module is provided. Among other things, the laser driver module is adapted to adjust the amount of power to be provided to the laser diode. For example, the laser driver module generates a drive current based on pixels from digital signals such as frames of images, the drive currents being adapted to drive a laser diode. In a specific embodiment, the laser driver module is configured to generate pulse-modulated light signal at a frequency range of about 50 MHz to 100 GHz.

In an alternative embodiment, DLP or DMD micro-display chip is included in the device and is configured to steer, pattern, and/or pixelate a beam of light by reflecting the light from a 2-dimensional array of micro-mirrors corresponding to pixels at a predetermined angle to turn each pixel on or off. In one example, the DLP or DMD chip is configured to steer a collimated beam of laser excitation light from the one or more laser diodes to generate a predetermined spatial and/or temporal pattern of excitation light on the wavelength conversion or phosphor member. At least a portion of the wavelength converted light from the phosphor member could then be recollimated or shaped using a beam shaping element such as an optic. In this example the micro-display is upstream of the wavelength converter member in the optical pathway. In a second example the DLP or DMD micro-display chip is configured to steer a collimated beam of at least a partially wavelength converted light to generate a predetermined spatial and/or temporal pattern of converted light onto a target surface or into a target space. In this example the micro-display is downstream of the wavelength converter member in the optical pathway. DLP or DMD micro-display chips are configured for dynamic spatial modulation wherein the image is created by tiny mirrors laid out in an array on a semiconductor chip such as a silicon chip. The mirrors can be positionally modulated at rapid rates to reflect light either through an optical beam shaping element such as a lens or into a beam dump. Each of the tiny mirrors represents one or more pixels wherein the pitch may be 5.4 μm or less. The number of mirrors corresponds or correlates to the resolution of the projected image. Common resolutions for such DLP micro-display chips include 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×720, and 1920×1080 (HDTV), and even greater.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a dynamic laser based light source or light projection apparatus including a housing having an aperture. The apparatus can include an input interface for receiving a signal to activate the dynamic feature of the light source. The apparatus can include a video or signal processing module. Additionally, the apparatus includes a light source based on a laser source. The laser source includes a violet laser diode or a blue laser diode. The dynamic light feature output comprised from a phosphor emission excited by the output beam of a laser diode, or a combination of a laser diode and a phosphor member. The violet or blue laser diode is fabricated on a polar, nonpolar, or semipolar oriented Ga-containing substrate. The apparatus can include a laser driver module coupled to the laser source. The apparatus can include a digital light processing (DLP) chip comprising a digital mirror device. The digital mirror device includes a plurality of mirrors, each of the mirrors corresponding to pixels of the frames of images. The apparatus includes a power source electrically coupled to the laser source and the digital light processing chip.

The apparatus can include a laser driver module coupled to the laser source. The apparatus includes an optical member provided within proximity of the laser source; the optical member being adapted to direct the laser beam to the digital light processing chip. The apparatus includes a power source electrically coupled to the laser source and the digital light processing chip. In one embodiment, the dynamic properties of the light source may be initiated by the user of the apparatus. For example, the user may activate a switch, dial, joystick, or trigger to modify the light output from a static to a dynamic mode, from one dynamic mode to a different dynamic mode, or from one static mode to a different static mode.

In an alternative embodiment, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) micro-display chip is included in the device and is configured to steer, pattern, and/or pixelate a beam of light by reflecting or absorbing the light from a 2-dimensional array of liquid crystal mirrors corresponding to pixels at a predetermined angle to turn each pixel on or off. In one example, the LCOS chip is configured to steer a collimated beam of laser excitation light from the one or more laser diodes to generate a predetermined spatial and/or temporal pattern of excitation light on the wavelength conversion or phosphor member. At least a portion of the wavelength converted light from the phosphor member could then be recollimated or shaped using a beam shaping element such as an optic. In this example the micro-display is upstream of the wavelength converter member in the optical pathway. In a second example the LCOS micro-display chip is configured to steer a collimated beam of at least a partially wavelength converted light to generate a predetermined spatial and/or temporal pattern of converted light onto a target surface or into a target space. In this example the micro-display is downstream of the wavelength converter member in the optical pathway. The former example is the preferred example since LCOS chips are polarization sensitive and the output of laser diodes is often highly polarized, for example greater than 70%, 80%, 90%, or greater than 95% polarized. This high polarization ratio of the direct emission from the laser source enables high optical throughput efficiencies for the laser excitation light compared to LEDs or legacy light sources that are unpolarized, which wastes about half of the light.

LCOS micro-display chips are configured spatial light modulation wherein the image is created by tiny active elements laid out in an array on a silicon chip. The elements reflectivity is modulated at rapid rates to selectively reflect light through an optical beam shaping element such as a lens. The number of elements corresponds or correlates to the resolution of the projected image. Common resolutions for such LCOS micro-display chips include 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×720, and 1920×1080 (HDTV), and even greater.

Optionally, the partially converted light emitted from the wavelength conversion element results in a color point, which is white in appearance. Optionally, the color point of the white light is located on the Planckian blackbody locus of points. Optionally, the color point of the white light is located within du′v′ of less than 0.010 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points. Optionally, the color point of the white light is preferably located within du′v′ of less than 0.03 of the Planckian blackbody locus of points. Optionally, the pump light sources are operated independently, with their relative intensities varied to dynamically alter the color point and color rendering index (CRI) of the white light.

In several preferred embodiments one or more beam shaping elements are included in the present invention. Such beam shaping elements could be included to configure the one or more laser diode excitation beams in the optical pathway prior to incidence on the phosphor or wavelength conversion member. In some embodiments the beam shaping elements are included in the optical pathway after at least a portion of the laser diode excitation light is converted by the phosphor or wavelength conversion member. In additional embodiments the beam shaping elements are included in the optical pathway of the non-converted laser diode light. Of course, in many preferred embodiments, a combination of one or more of each of the beam shaping elements is included in the present invention.

In some embodiments, a laser diode output beam must be configured to be incident on the phosphor material to excite the phosphor. In some embodiments, the laser beam may be directly incident on the phosphor and in other embodiments the laser beam may interact with an optic, reflector, or other object to manipulate or shape the beam prior to incidence on the phosphor. Examples of such optics include, but are not limited to ball lenses, aspheric collimator, aspheric lens, fast or slow axis collimators, dichroic mirrors, turning mirrors, optical isolators, but could be others. In some embodiments, other optics can be included in various combinations for the shaping, collimating, directing, filtering, or manipulating of the optical beam. Examples of such optics include, but are not limited to re-imaging reflectors, ball lenses, aspheric collimator, dichroic mirrors, turning mirrors, optical isolators, but could be others.

In some embodiments, the converted light such as a white light source is combined with one or more optical members to manipulate the generated white light. In an example the converted light source such as the white light source could serve in a spotlight system such as a flashlight, spotlight, automobile headlamp or any direction light applications where the light must be directed or projected to a specified location or area. In one embodiment a reflector is coupled to the white light source. Specifically, a parabolic (or paraboloid or paraboloidal) reflector is deployed to project the white light. By positioning the white light source in the focus of a parabolic reflector, the plane waves will be reflected and propagate as a collimated beam along the axis of the parabolic reflector. In another example a lens is used to collimate the white light into a projected beam. In one example a simple aspheric lens would be positioned in front of the phosphor to collimate the white light. In another example, a total internal reflector optic is used for collimation. In other embodiments other types of collimating optics may be used such as spherical lenses or aspherical lenses. In several embodiments, a combination of optics is used.

In some embodiments, the smart white light source containing at least a laser based light module includes a beam shaping element. Optionally, the beam shaping element provides an optical beam where greater than 80% of the emitted light is contained within an emission angle of 30 degrees. Optionally, the beam shaping element provides an optical beam where greater than 80% of the emitted light is preferably contained within an emission angle of 10 degrees. Optionally, the beam shaping element provides an optical beam where greater than 80% of the emitted light is preferably contained within an emission angle of 5 degrees. In some embodiments collimating optics are used such as parabolic reflectors, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, diffractive optics, other types of optics, and combinations of optics.

Optionally, the smart white light source can be formed within the commonly accepted standard shape and size of existing MR, PAR, and AR111 lamps. Optionally, the solid-state white light source further contains an integrated electronic power supply to electrically energize the laser based light module. Optionally, the solid-state white light source further contains an integrated electronic power supply with input power within the commonly accepted standards. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

In an embodiment, a laser or SLED driver module is provided. For example, the laser driver module generates a drive current, with the drive currents being adapted to drive a laser diode to transmit one or more signals such as digitally encoded frames of images, digital or analog encodings of audio and video recordings or any sequences of binary values. In a specific embodiment, the laser driver module is configured to generate pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz or 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In another embodiment the laser driver module is configured to generate multiple, independent pulse-modulated light signal at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz or 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In an embodiment, the laser driver signal can be modulated by a low-power analog voltage or current signal.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is capable of conveying information to the user or another observer through the means of dynamically adjusting certain qualities of the projected light. Such qualities include spot size, shape, hue, and color-point as well as through independent motion of the spot. As an example, the apparatus may convey information by dynamically changing the shape of the spot. In an example, the apparatus is used as a flash-light or bicycle light, and while illuminating the path in front of the user it may convey directions or information received from a paired smart phone application. Changes in the shape of the spot which could convey information include, among others: forming the spot into the shape of an arrow that indicates which direction the user should walk along to follow a predetermined path and forming the spot into an icon to indicate the receipt of an email, text message, phone call or other push notification. The white light spot may also be used to convey information by rendering text in the spot. For example, text messages received by the user may be displayed in the spot. As another example, embodiments of the apparatus including mechanisms for altering the hue or color point of the emitted light spectrum could convey information to the user via a change in these qualities. For example, the aforementioned bike light providing directions to the user might change the hue of the emitted light spectrum from white to red rapidly to signal that the user is nearing an intersection or stop-sign that is beyond the range of the lamp.

In an embodiment, a modem circuit is provided. The modem circuit encodes binary data into a control signal that is routed to the pump light driver.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is capable of conveying information to the user or another observer through the means of dynamically adjusting certain qualities of the projected light. Such qualities include spot size, shape, hue, and color-point as well as through independent motion of the spot as well as via visible light communication or LiFi. In an example, the apparatus might be used as a bike-light which conveys information about directions to the user for travelling along a predetermined path by dynamically adjusting the shape or color of the emitted light spot. The apparatus may then also convey information about the user to objects illuminated by the spot using VLC or LiFi. Such data may be used by autonomous vehicles to better predict the actions or path of the user.

In a second group of embodiments, the present invention covers dynamic gallium and nitrogen-based laser light sources coupled to one or more sensors with a feedback loop or control circuit to trigger the light source to react with one or more predetermined responses such as a light movement response, a light color response, a light brightness response, a spatial light pattern response, a communication response, or other responses.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention including a dynamic light source, the dynamic feature is activated by a feedback loop including a sensor. Such sensors may be selected from, but not limited to a microphone, geophone, hydrophone, a chemical sensor such as a hydrogen sensor, CO₂ sensor, or electronic nose sensor, flow sensor, water meter, gas meter, Geiger counter, altimeter, airspeed sensor, speed sensor, range finder, piezoelectric sensor, gyroscope, inertial sensor, accelerometer, MEMS sensor, Hall effect sensor, metal detector, voltage detector, photoelectric sensor, photodetector, photoresistor, pressure sensor, strain gauge, thermistor, thermocouple, pyrometer, temperature gauge, motion detector, passive infrared sensor, Doppler sensor, biosensor, capacitance sensor, video sensor, transducer, image sensor, infrared sensor, radar, SONAR, LIDAR, or others.

In one example, a dynamic light feature including a feedback loop with a sensor, a motion sensor, is included. The dynamic light source is configured to illuminate a location where the motion is detected by sensing the spatial position of the motion and steering the output beam to that location. In another example of a dynamic light feature including a feedback loop with a sensor, an accelerometer, is included. The accelerometer is configured to anticipate where the laser light source apparatus is moving toward and steer the output beam to that location even before the user of the apparatus can move the light source to be pointing at the desired location. Of course, these are merely examples of implementations of dynamic light sources with feedback loops including sensors. There can be many other implementations of this invention concept that includes combining dynamic light sources with sensors.

In some embodiments, the invention may be applicable as a visible light communication transceiver for bi-directional communication. Optionally, the transceiver also contains a detector including a photodiode, avalanche photodiode, photomultiplier tube or other means of converting a light signal to electrical energy. The detector is connected to the modem. In this embodiment the modem is also capable of decoding detected light signals into binary data and relaying that data to a control system such as a computer, cellphone, wrist-watch, or other electronic device.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a smart white light-source to be used on automotive vehicles for illumination of the exterior environment of the vehicle. An exemplary usage would be as a parking light, headlight, fog-light, signal-light or spotlight. In an embodiment, a lighting apparatus is provided including a housing having an aperture. Additionally, the lighting apparatus includes one or more pump light sources including one or more blue lasers or blue SLED sources. The individual blue lasers or SLEDs have an emission spectrum with center wavelength within the range 400 to 480 nm. The one or more of the pump light sources emitting in the blue range of wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. Each pump light source is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and light directly emitted from the one or more light sources being combined as a white light spectrum. The lighting apparatus further includes optical elements for focusing and collimating the white light and shaping the white light spot.

In this smart lighting apparatus, each pump light source is independently addressable, and is controlled by a laser driver module configured to generate pulse-modulated light signal at a frequency range of between 10 MHz and 100 GHz. The laser driver includes an input interface for receiving digital or analog signals from sensors and electronic controllers in order to control the modulation of the pump laser sources for the transmission of data. The lighting apparatus can transmit data about the vehicle or fixture to which it is attached via the modulation of the blue or violet lasers or SLED sources to other vehicles which have appropriately configured VLC receivers. For example, the white light source could illuminate oncoming vehicles. Optionally, it could illuminate from behind or sides vehicles travelling in the same direction. As an example, the lighting apparatus could illuminate VLC-receiver enabled road signs, road markings, and traffic signals, as well as dedicated VLC receivers installed on or near the highway. The lighting apparatus would then broadcast information to the receiving vehicles and infrastructure about the broadcasting vehicle. Optionally, the lighting apparatus could transmit information on the vehicle's location, speed and heading as well as, in the case of autonomous or semiautonomous vehicles, information about the vehicle's destination or route for purposes of efficiently scheduling signal light changes or coordinating cooperative behavior, such as convoying, between autonomous vehicles.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a communication device which can be intuitively aimed. An example use of the communication device would be for creation of temporary networks with high bandwidth in remote areas such as across a canyon, in a ravine, between mountain peaks, between buildings separated by a large distance and under water. In these locations, distances may be too large for a standard wireless network or, as in the case of being under water, radio frequency communications may be challenging due to the absorption of radio waves by water. The communication device includes a housing having an aperture. Additionally, the communication device includes one or more blue laser or blue SLED source. The individual blue lasers or SLEDs have an emission spectrum with center wavelength within the range 400 to 480 nm. One or more of the light sources emitting in the blue range of wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light source is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted as a white light spectrum. The communication device includes optical elements for focusing and collimating the white light and shaping the white light spot. Optionally, each light source in the communication device is independently addressable and is controlled by a driver module configured to generate pulse-modulated light signal at a modulation frequency range of between 10 MHz and 100 GHz. The driver module includes an input interface for receiving digital or analog signals from sensors and electronic controllers in order to control the modulation of the laser sources for the transmission of data.

The communication device includes one or more optical detectors to act as VLC-receivers and one or more band-pass filters for differentiating between two or more of the laser or SLED sources. Optionally, a VLC-receiver may detect VLC signals using multiple avalanche photodiodes capable of measuring pulse-modulated light signals at a frequency range of about 50 MHz to 100 GHz. Optionally, the communication device contains one or more optical elements, such as mirrors or lenses to focus and collimate the light into a beam with a divergence of less than 5 degrees in a less preferred case and less than 2 degrees in a most preferred case. Two such apparatuses would yield a spot size of between roughly 3 and 10 meters in diameter at a distance of 100 to 300 meters, respectively, and the focused white light spot would enable operators to aim the VLC-transceivers at each other even over long distances simply by illuminating their counterpart as if with a search light.

In some embodiments, the communication device disclosed in the present invention can be applied as flash sources such as camera flashes that carrying data information. Data could be transmitted through the flash to convey information about the image taken. For example, an individual may take a picture in a venue using a camera phone configured with a VLC-enabled solid-state light-source in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. The phone transmits a reference number to VLC-receivers installed in the bar, with the reference number providing a method for identifying images on social media websites taken at a particular time and venue.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a projection apparatus. The projection apparatus includes a housing having an aperture. The apparatus also includes an input interface for receiving one or more frames of images. The apparatus includes a video processing module. Additionally, the apparatus includes one or more blue laser or blue SLED sources disposed in the housing. The individual blue lasers or SLEDs have an emission spectrum with center wavelength within the range 400 to 480 nm. One or more of the light sources emitting in the blue range of wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light source is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted as a white light spectrum. Additionally, the apparatus includes optical elements for focusing and collimating the white light and shaping the white light spot. In this apparatus, each light source is independently addressable, and is controlled by a laser driver module configured to generate pulse-modulated light signal at a modulation frequency range of between 10 MHz and 100 GHz. The laser driver also includes an input interface for receiving digital or analog signals from sensors and electronic controllers in order to control the modulation of the laser sources for the transmission of data. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a power source electrically coupled to the laser source and the digital light processing chip. Many variations of this embodiment could exist, such as an embodiment where the green and blue laser diode share the same substrate or two or more of the different color lasers could be housed in the same packaged. The outputs from the blue, green, and red laser diodes would be combined into a single beam.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a lighting apparatus enabling visible light communication with various appliances, electronic devices and sensors within an area illuminated by artificial lighting such as in a home, office building, factory, store or shop, warehouse, parking deck, theater, grocery store, parking lot, and street or road among other places. The apparatus includes a housing holding one or more blue laser sources or blue SLED sources and having an aperture. The individual blue lasers or SLEDs have an emission spectrum with center wavelength within the range 400 to 480 nm. One or more of the blue light sources emitting in the range of blue light wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the blue light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The apparatus is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted as a white light spectrum. The apparatus may include optical elements for focusing and collimating the white light and shaping the white light spot. In this apparatus, one or more of the blue laser devices is independently addressable, and is controlled by a laser driver module configured to generate a modulated current at a frequency range of between 10 MHz and 100 GHz. The laser driver also includes an input interface for receiving digital or analog signals. For example, the apparatus may be provided with a FM or AM radio receiver, a short-range radio frequency transceiver for communication over a wireless local area network or personal area network. For example, the apparatus may be provided with a receiver or transceiver for communication using the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, the Bluetooth communication protocol, or similar radio frequency bases communication standard. In another example, the apparatus is provided with a receiver or transceiver enabling communication over power lines providing electrical power to the apparatus. In an example, the apparatus is provided with a receiver for visible light communication, making the apparatus a VLC-transceiver. In an example, the apparatus is provided with a receiver or transceiver for a wired local area network protocol such as Ethernet or fiber optic communication among others. The apparatus receives data from the provided RF, wired or VLC-based communication channel and retransmits the data via the modulation of the blue lasers or SLED sources.

Merely by way of example, such an apparatus would be advantageous in transmitting data to distributed sensors and appliances. For example, a printer could be positioned anywhere in a room without regard to reception of wireless networks or access to wired networks. A request to print a document along with the data describing the document could then be sent to the printer regardless of the printer's location within the building so long as the printer is illuminated by the apparatus. Other appliances which could be communicated to include televisions, refrigerators, toaster ovens, ovens, dishwashers, clothes washers and driers, thermostats, microwave ovens, smoke detectors, fire detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, humidifiers, light sources, emergency exit signs and emergency lighting fixtures among others. In the case of such an apparatus provided with an Ethernet or fiber-optic-based transceiver, the apparatus could provide wireless transmission over VLC protocols to a plurality of electronic devices at transfer rates much higher than those achievable with a WiFi based technology.

FIG. 9A is a functional block diagram for a dynamic light source according to some embodiments of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the dynamic light source includes one or more violet or blue laser devices 1704, 1705, 1706 and 1707. Each individual violet or blue laser device emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 380-480 nm. Optionally, the dynamic light source includes one or more beam shaping optical elements 1708, 1709, 1710 and 1711. The laser devices 1704, 1705, 1706 and 1707 are configured such that their emitting facets are aimed at the one or more beam shaping optical elements 1708, 1709, 1710 and 1711, respectively for collimating, focusing or otherwise shaping the beams emitted by the one or more blue laser devices. The beam shaping optical elements may be comprised of lenses or mirrors and provide functions such as beam collimation and focusing as well as control of the propagation direction of the laser light. The laser light from each blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element 1713. The beam steering optical element 1712 directs the laser light onto a wavelength converting element 1713. The position of the laser light on the wavelength converting element 1713 is dynamically controlled by a beam steering optical element 1712 which is controlled by a steering element driver 1714. Optionally, the beam steering optical element 1712 can one or a combination of many of a mirror galvanometer, a MEMs scanning mirror, a rotating polygon mirror, a DLP chip, an LCOS chip, a fiber scanner, or the like. The steering element driver 1714 is configured to take input from an external system such as a microcontroller or analog circuit to control the positioning of the beam steering optical element 1712 so as to dynamically control how laser light illuminates the wavelength converting element 1713 such that a white light spot with dynamically controllable shape and intensity profile can be formed on the wavelength converting element 1713.

Fiber scanner has certain performance advantages and disadvantages over scanning mirror as the beam steering optical element in the dynamic light source. Scanning mirror appears to have significantly more advantages for display and imaging applications. For example, the scanning frequency can be achieved much higher for scanning mirror than for fiber scanner. Mirror scanner may raster at near 1000 kHz with higher resolution (<1 μm) but without 2D scanning limitation while fiber scanner may only scan at up to 50 kHz with 2D scanning limitation. Additionally, mirror scanner can handle much higher light intensity than fiber scanner. Mirror scanner is easier to be physically set up with light optimization for white light or RGB light and incorporated with photodetector for image and is less sensitive to shock and vibration than fiber scanner. Since light beam itself is directly scanned in mirror scanner, no collimation loss, AR loss, and turns limitation exist, unlike the fiber itself is scanned in fiber scanner which carries certain collimation loss and AR loss over curved surfaces. Of course, fiber scanner indeed is advantageous in providing much larger angular displacement (near 80 degrees) over that (about +/−20 degrees) provided by mirror scanner.

A VLC modem 1701 is provided in the dynamic light source. The VLC modem 1701 is capable of receiving digital control data from a data source via a wired or wireless link to provide control signal for a laser driver 1702. The laser driver 1702 supplies controlled current at a controlled voltage to the one or more laser devices 1704, 1705, 1706 and 1707. Optionally, the laser driver 1702 can individually control/modulate the one or more of the violet or blue laser devices 1704, 1705, 1706 and 1707.

Optionally, one or more optical elements are provided for imaging the combined light of each blue laser device and the light emitted by the wavelength converting element 1713 onto a projection surface. One optical element for projecting image includes a color wheel. As an example, the color wheel may include phosphor material that modifies the color of light emitted from the light source. Optionally, the color wheel includes multiple regions, each of the regions corresponding to a specific color (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.). Optionally, the color wheel includes a slot or transparent section for the blue color light and a phosphor containing region for converting blue light to green light. In operation, the blue light source (e.g., blue laser diode or blue LED) provides blue light through the slot and excites green light from the phosphor containing region; the red-light source provides red light separately. The green light from the phosphor may be transmitted through the color wheel or reflected back from it. In either case the green light is collected by optics and redirected to the microdisplay. The blue light passed through the slot is also directed to the microdisplay. The blue light source may be a laser diode or LED fabricated on non-polar or semi-polar oriented GaN. Alternatively, a green laser diode may be used, instead of a blue laser diode with phosphor, to emit green light. It is to be appreciated that can be other combinations of colored light sources and color wheels thereof.

FIG. 9B is a diagram of a dynamic light source with beam steering element according to an example of some embodiments of FIG. 9A of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the light source is a laser based smart light source assembled in a case 1700. The laser diode 1724 is one of violet or blue laser devices according to the invention. Laser light firstly passes through a collimation lens 1725 and is split by a beamsplitter 1726. One portion of laser light is directed to a photodetector 1727 for intensity monitoring. Another portion of laser light is further guided to a mirror 1728 which re-directs the light to a beam steering/scanning device 1722 which can be controlled by a servo controller to dynamically change the beam direction based on certain feedback signals. The laser light coming out of the beam steering/scanning device 1722 firstly passes through a re-imaging lens 1734 for focusing the beam to a light converting element 1735 to convert the violet or blue laser to white light, then is guided out of a window 1736 of the case 1700. Optionally, the beam steering/scanning device 1722 is made of a plurality of MEMS scanning mirrors. Optionally, the beam steering/scanning device 1722 is a rotating polygonal mirror, LCOS, DLP, or the like. Optionally, the light converting element 1735 is a phosphor material.

This white light or multi-colored dynamic image projection technology according to this invention enables smart lighting benefits to the users or observers. This embodiment of the present invention is configured for the laser based light source to communicate with users, items, or objects in two different methods wherein the first is through VLC technology such as LiFi that uses high-speed analog or digital modulation of a electromagnetic carrier wave within the system, and the second is by the dynamic spatial patterning of the light to create visual signage and messages for the viewers to see. These two methods of data communication can be used separately to perform two distinct communication functions such as in a coffee shop or office setting where the VLC/LiFi function provides data to users' smart phones and computers to assist in their work or internet exploration while the projected signage or dynamic light function communicates information such as menus, lists, directions, or preferential lighting to inform, assist, or enhance users experience in their venue.

This white light or multi-colored dynamic image projection technology according to this invention enables smart lighting benefits to the users or observers. This embodiment of the present invention is configured for the laser based light source to communicate with users, items, or objects in two different methods wherein the first is through VLC technology such as LiFi that uses high-speed analog or digital modulation of an electromagnetic carrier wave within the system, and the second is by the dynamic spatial patterning of the light to create visual signage and messages for the viewers to see. These two methods of data communication can be used separately to perform two distinct communication functions such as in a coffee shop or office setting where the VLC/LiFi function provides data to users' smart phones and computers to assist in their work or internet exploration while the projected signage or dynamic light function communicates information such as menus, lists, directions, or preferential lighting to inform, assist, or enhance users experience in their venue.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a use case for an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. The apparatus 2602 is used to project an image 2603 containing information in the form of text, pictograms, moving shapes, variation in hue and the like. Encoded in the projected light using VLC encoding schemes is a data stream 2604. The data stream can be received by multiple smart devices carried or worn by the user to provide more information to the user. For example, the digital data stream may provide more detailed information about a restaurant's menu or may provide the address to a web site containing more information. In this case, the user receives the VLC data using a wearable device such as smart glasses 2609 as well as a smart phone 2608, though it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that other devices may receive and process this data. For example, one could receive and process data using smart watches, virtual and augmented reality headsets, tablet computers and laptop computers among others. Data can be provided to the apparatus either as a digital information provided through RF transmission, WiFi, LiFi or VLC, or via transmission along wires. The apparatus may use VLC to transmit data that is stored in the apparatus and not received from an external source. In this case, the data may be stored in volatile or non-volatile memory formats as either an integrated part of the apparatus or in a removable format such as a card, hard-disk, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) or any other optical or magnetic storage medium.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamic light source or “light-engine” that can function as a white light source for general lighting applications with tunable colors.

In an embodiment, the light-engine consists of two or more lasers or SLED light sources. At least one of the light sources emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 380-450 nm. At least one of the light sources emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 450-520 nm. This embodiment is advantageous in that for many phosphors in order to achieve a particular color point, there will be a significant gap between the wavelength of the laser light source and the shortest wavelength of the spectrum emitted by the phosphor. By including multiple blue lasers of significantly different wavelengths, this gap can be filled, resulting in a similar color point with improved color rendering.

In an embodiment, the green and red laser light beams are incident on the wavelength converting element in a transmission mode and are scattered by the wavelength converting element. In this embodiment the red and green laser light is not strongly absorbed by the wavelength converting element.

In and embodiment, the wavelength converting element consists of a plurality of regions comprised of varying composition or color conversion properties. For example, the wavelength converting element may be comprised by a plurality of regions of alternating compositions of phosphor. One composition absorbs blue or violet laser light in the range of wavelengths of 385 to 450 nm and converts it to a longer wavelength of blue light in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 480 nm. A second composition absorbs blue or violet laser light and converts it to green light in the range of wavelengths of 480-550 nm. A third composition absorbs blue or violet laser light and converts it to red light in the range of wavelengths of 550 to 670 nm. Between the laser light source and the wavelength converting element is a beam steering mechanism such as a MEMS mirror, rotating polygonal mirror, mirror galvanometer, or the like. The beam steering element scans a violet or blue laser spot across the array of regions on the wavelength converting element and the intensity of the laser is synced to the position of the spot on the wavelength converting element such that red, green and blue light emitted or scattered by the wavelength converting element can be varied across the area of the wavelength converting element.

In an embodiment, the phosphor elements are single crystal phosphor platelets.

In an embodiment, the phosphor elements are regions of phosphor powder sintered into platelets or encapsulated by a polymer or glassy binder.

In another embodiment, the plurality of wavelength converting regions comprising the wavelength converting element are composed of an array of semiconductor elements such as InGaN, GaN single or multi-quantum wells for the production of blue or green light and single and multi-quantum-well structures composed of various compositions of AlInGaAsP for production of yellow and red light, although this is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other alternative semiconductor materials or light-converting structures.

In another embodiment, the plurality of wavelength converting regions comprising the wavelength converting element are composed of an array of semiconductor elements such as InGaN GaN quantum dots for the production of blue, red or green light and quantum dots composed of various compositions of AlInGaAsP for production of yellow and red light, although this is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other alternative semiconductor materials or light-converting structures.

FIG. 11A is a functional block diagram for a laser based smart-lighting system according to some embodiments of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the smarting-lighting system includes a laser based dynamic white light source including a blue laser device 2005 emitting a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 380-480 nm. The system includes an optional beam shaping optical element 2006 provided for collimating, focusing or otherwise shaping the beam emitted by the laser device 2005. The laser light from the laser device 2005 is incident onto a wavelength converting element 2007. The system additionally includes an element 2008 for shaping and steering the white light out of the wavelength converting element 2007. One or more sensors, Sensor1 2002, Sensor2 2002, up to SensorN 2004, are provided with the digital or analog output of the sensor being received by the laser driver 2001 and a mechanism provided whereby the laser driver output is modulated by the input from the sensors.

In a specific embodiment, the input to the laser driver is a digital or analog signal provided by one or more sensors.

In a specific embodiment, the output from the sensors is measured or read by a microcontroller or other digital circuit which outputs a digital or analog signal which directs the modulation of the laser driver output based on the input signal from the sensors.

In a specific embodiment, the input to the driver is a digital or analog signal provided by a microcontroller or other digital circuit based on input to the microcontroller or digital circuit from one or more sensors.

Optionally, sensors used in the smart-lighting system may include sensors measuring atmospheric and environmental conditions such as pressure sensors, thermocouples, thermistors, resistance thermometers, chronometers or real-time clocks, humidity sensor, ambient light meters, pH sensors, infra-red thermometers, dissolved oxygen meters, magnetometers and hall-effect sensors, colorimeters, soil moister sensors, and microphones among others.

Optionally, sensors used in the smart-lighting system may include sensors for measuring non-visible light and electromagnetic radiation such as UV light sensors, infrared light sensors, infra-red cameras, infra-red motion detectors, RFID sensors, and infra-red proximity sensors among others.

Optionally, sensors used in the smart-lighting system may include sensors for measuring forces such as strain gages, load cells, force sensitive resistors and piezoelectric transducers among others.

Optionally, sensors used in the smart-lighting system may include sensors for measuring aspects of living organisms such as fingerprint scanner, pulse oximeter, heart-rate monitors, electrocardiography sensors, electroencephalography sensors and electromyography sensors among others.

In an embodiment, the dynamic properties of the light source may be initiated by the user of the apparatus. For example, the user may activate a switch, dial, joystick, or trigger to modify the light output from a static to a dynamic mode, from one dynamic mode to a different dynamic mode, or from one static mode to a different static mode.

In one example of the smart-lighting system, it includes a dynamic light source configured in a feedback loop with a sensor, for example, a motion sensor, being provided. The dynamic light source is configured to illuminate specific locations by steering the output of the white light beam in the direction of detected motion. In another example of a dynamic light feature including a feedback loop with a sensor, an accelerometer is provided. The accelerometer is configured to measure the direction of motion of the light source. The system then steers the output beam towards the direction of motion. Such a system could be used as, for example, a flashlight or hand-held spotlight. Of course, these are merely examples of implementations of dynamic light sources with feedback loops including sensors. There can be many other implementations of this invention concept that includes combining dynamic light sources with sensors.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a dynamic laser based light source or light projection apparatus that is spatially tunable. The apparatus includes a housing with an aperture to hold a light source having an input interface for receiving a signal to activate the dynamic feature of the light source. Optionally, the apparatus can include a video or signal processing module. Additionally, the apparatus includes a laser source disposed in the housing with an aperture. The laser source includes one or more of a violet laser diode or blue laser diode. The dynamic light source features output comprised from the laser diode light spectrum and a phosphor emission excited by the output beam of a laser diode. The violet or blue laser diode is fabricated on a polar, nonpolar, or semipolar oriented Ga-containing substrate. The apparatus can include mirror galvanometer or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror, or “flying mirror”, configured to project the laser light or laser pumped phosphor white light to a specific location in the outside world. By rastering the laser beam using the MEMS mirror a pixel in two dimensions can be formed to create a pattern or image. The apparatus can also include an actuator for dynamically orienting the apparatus to project the laser light or laser pumped phosphor white light to a specific location in the outside world.

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a dynamic light source or “light-engine” that can function as a white light source for general lighting applications with tunable colors. The light-engine consists of three or more laser or SLED light sources. At least one light source emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 380-480 nm and acts as a blue light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 480-550 nm and acts as a green light source. At least one light emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range 600-670 nm and acts as a red-light source. Each light source is individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels, or in the case of multiple emitters in the red, green or blue wavelength ranges the plurality of light sources in each range may be addressed collectively, though the plurality of sources in each range are addressable independently of the sources in the other wavelength ranges. One or more of the light sources emitting in the blue range of wavelengths illuminates a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light engine is configured such that both light from the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources are emitted from the light-engine. A laser or SLED driver module is provided which can dynamically control the light engine based on input from an external source. For example, the laser driver module generates a drive current, with the drive currents being adapted to drive one or more laser diodes, based on one or more signals.

Optionally, the quality of the light emitted by the white light source may be adjusted based on input from one or more sensors. Qualities of the light that can be adjusted in response to a signal include but are not limited to the total luminous flux of the light source, the relative fraction of long and short wavelength blue light as controlled by adjusting relative intensities of more than one blue laser sources characterized by different center wavelengths and the color point of the white light source by adjusting the relative intensities of red and green laser sources. Such dynamic adjustments of light quality may improve productivity and health of workers by matching light quality to work conditions.

Optionally, the quality of the white light emitted by the white light source is adjusted based on input from sensors detecting the number of individuals in a room. Such sensors may include motion sensors such as infra-red motion sensors, microphones, video cameras, radio-frequency identification (RFID) receivers monitoring RFID enabled badges on individuals, among others.

Optionally, the color point of the spectrum emitted by the light source is adjusted by dynamically adjusting the intensities of the blue “pump” laser sources relative to the intensities of the green and red sources. The relative proportions are controlled by input from sensors detecting radio frequency identification (RFID) badges worn by occupants of the room such that room lighting color point and brightness levels match the preferences of the occupants.

Optionally, the color point of the spectrum emitted by the white light source is adjusted by dynamically adjusting the intensities of the blue “pump” laser sources relative to the intensities of the green and red sources. The total luminous flux of the light source and the relative proportions are controlled by input from a chronometer, temperature sensor and ambient light sensor measuring to adjust the color point to match the apparent color of the sun during daylight hours and to adjust the brightness of the light source to compensate for changes in ambient light intensity during daylight hours. The ambient light sensor would either be configured by its position or orientation to measure input predominantly from windows, or it would measure ambient light during short periods when the light source output is reduced or halted, with the measurement period being too short for human eyes to notice.

Optionally, the color point of the spectrum emitted by the white light source is adjusted by dynamically adjusting the intensities of the blue “pump” laser sources relative to the intensities of the green and red sources. The total luminous flux of the light source and the relative proportions are controlled by input from a chronometer, temperature sensor and ambient light sensor measuring to adjust the color point to compensate for deficiencies in the ambient environmental lighting. For example, the white light source may automatically adjust total luminous flux to compensate for a reduction in ambient light from the sun due to cloudy skies. In another example, the white light source may add an excess of blue light to the emitted spectrum to compensate for reduced sunlight on cloudy days. The ambient light sensor would either be configured by its position or orientation to measure input predominantly from windows, or it would measure ambient light during short periods when the light source output is reduced or halted, with the measurement period being too short for human eyes to notice.

In a specific embodiment, the white light source contains a plurality of blue laser devices emitting spectra with different center wavelengths spanning a range from 420 nm to 470 nm. For example, the source may contain three blue laser devices emitting at approximately 420, 440 and 460 nm. In another example, the source may contain five blue laser devices emitting at approximately 420, 440, 450, 460 and 470 nm. The total luminous flux of the light source and the relative fraction of long and short wavelength blue light is controlled by input from a chronometer and ambient light sensor such that the emitted white light spectra contains a larger fraction of intermediate wavelength blue light between 440 and 470 nm during the morning or during overcast days in order to promote a healthy circadian rhythm and promote a productive work environment. The ambient light sensor would either be configured by its position or orientation to measure input predominantly from windows, or it would measure ambient light during short periods when the light source output is reduced or halted, with the measurement period being too short for human eyes to notice.

Optionally, the white light source would be provided with a VLC-receiver such that a plurality of such white light sources could form a VLC mesh network. Such a network would enable the white light sources to broadcast measurements from various sensors. In an example, a VLC mesh-network comprised of VLC-enabled white light sources could monitor ambient light conditions using photo sensors and room occupancy using motion detectors throughout a workspace or building as well as coordinate measurement of ambient light intensity such that adjacent light sources do not interfere with these measurements. In an example, such fixtures could monitor local temperatures using temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermistors among others.

In an embodiment, the white light source is provided with a computer-controlled video camera. The white light source contains a plurality of blue laser devices emitting spectra with different center wavelengths spanning a range from 420 nm to 470 nm. For example, the white light source may contain three blue laser devices emitting at approximately 420, 440 and 460 nm. In another example, the white light source may contain five blue laser devices emitting at approximately 420, 440, 450, 460 and 470 nm. The total luminous flux of the white light source and the relative fraction of long and short wavelength blue light is controlled by input from facial recognition and machine learning based algorithms that are utilized by the computer control to determine qualities of individuals occupying the room. In an example, number of occupants is measured. In another example, occupants may be categorized by type, for example by sex, size and color of clothing among other differentiable physical features. In another example, mood and activity level of occupants may be quantified by the amount and types of motion of occupants.

FIG. 11B is a functional diagram for a dynamic, laser based smart-lighting system according to some embodiments of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown, one or more laser devices 2106 are provided along with beam shaping optical elements 2107. The laser devices 2106 and beam shaping optical elements 2107 are configured such that the laser light is incident on a wavelength converting element 2108 that absorbs part or all laser light and emits a longer wavelength spectrum of light. Beam shaping and steering elements 2110 are provided which collect light from the wavelength converting element 2008 along with remaining laser light and direct it out of the light source. The light source is provided with a laser driver 2005 that provides controlled current and voltage to the one or more laser devices 2006. The output of the laser driver 2105 is determined by the digital or analog output of a microcontroller (or other digital or analog control circuit) 2101. The light source is also provided with a steering element driver 2109 which controls the beam steering optical element 2110. The output of the steering element driver 2109 is determined by input from the control circuit. One or more sensors 2102, 2103 and 2104 are provided. A digital or analog output of the sensors is read by the microcontroller 2101 and then converted into a predetermined change or modulation of the output from the control circuit to the laser driver 2105 and steering element driver 2109 such that the output of the light source is dynamically controlled by the output of the sensors.

In some embodiments, the beam steering optical elements include a scanning mirror. In an example, among the one or more laser devices, at least one laser device emits a spectrum with a center wavelength in the range of 380-480 nm and acts as a violet or blue light source. The blue range of wavelengths illuminates the wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. Both light from the wavelength converting element and the one or more laser devices are emitted as a white light. Optionally, a laser or SLED driver module is provided for dynamically controlling the one or more laser devices based on input from an external source to form a dynamic light source. For example, the laser driver module generates a drive current, with the drive current being adapted to drive one or more laser diodes, based on one or more signals. The dynamic light source has a scanning mirror and other optical elements for beam steering which collect the emitted white light spectrum, direct them towards the scanning mirror and either collimate or focus the light. A scanning mirror driver is provided which can dynamically control the scanning mirror based on input from an external source. For example, the scanning mirror driver generates either a drive current or a drive voltage, with the drive current or drive voltage adapted to drive the scanning mirror to a specific orientation or through a specific range of motion, based on one or more signals.

Applications for such an embodiment include any where there is aesthetic, informational or artistic value in the color point, position or shape of a spotlight being dynamically controlled based on the input from one or more sensors. The primary advantage of the apparatus to such applications is that the apparatus may transition between several configurations, with each configuration providing optimal lighting for different possible contexts. Some example contexts that may require different quality of lighting include general lighting, highlighting specific objects in a room, spot lighting that follows a moving person or object, lighting that changes color point to match time of day or exterior or ambient lighting, among others.

As an example use case, the apparatus could be used as a light source for illuminating works of art in a museum or art gallery. Motion sensors would trigger the change in the shape and intensity of the emitted spot of light from a spatial and color configuration intended for general lighting to a configuration that highlights in an ascetically pleasing way the work of art corresponding to the triggering motion sensor. Such a configuration would also be advantageous in stores, where the apparatus could provide general illumination until a triggering input causes it to preferentially illuminate one or more items for sale.

Applications include any need for triggered high speed data connections such as oncoming traffic or pedestrians, presence of objects or people, changes to environment, dangerous or notable impending situations that need to be communicated. One example application would be as a lighting source in buildings, where safety systems such as fire detection systems could be used to trigger the apparatus to transmit evacuation instructions and maps to the smart-devices such as phones, tablets, media-players and the like, of occupants.

The apparatus would be advantageous in lighting applications where one needs to trigger transmission of information based on the input of sensors. As an example, application, one may utilize the apparatus as a car headlight. Measurements from a LIDAR or image recognition system would detect the presence of other vehicles in front of the car and trigger the transmission of the cars location, heading and velocity to the other vehicles via VLC.

Applications include selective area VLC as to only transmit data to certain locations within a space or to a certain object which is determined by sensors—spatially selective WiFi/LiFi that can track the recipient's location and continuously provide data. You could even do spacetime division multiplexing where convoluted data streams are sent to different users or objects sequentially through modulation of the beam steering device. This could provide for very secure end user data links that could track user's location.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is provided with information about the location of a user based on input from sensors or other electronic systems for determining the location of individuals in the field of the view of the apparatus. The sensors might be motion detectors, digital cameras, ultrasonic range finders or even RF receivers that triangulate the position of people by detecting radio frequency emissions from their electronics. The apparatus provides visible light communication through the dynamically controllable white light spot, while also being able to control the size and location of the white light spot as well as raster the white light spot quickly enough to appear to form a wide spot of constant illumination. The determined location of a user with respect to the apparatus can be used to localize the VLC data transmission intended for a specific user to only in the region of the field of view occupied by the specific user. Such a configuration is advantageous because it provides a beam steering mechanism for multiple VLC transmitters to be used in a room with reduced interference. For example, two conventional LED light bulb-based VLC transmitters placed adjacent to one another in a room would produce a region of high interference in the region of the room where the emitted power from both VLC transmitters incident on a user's VLC receiver is similar or equal. Such an embodiment is advantageous in that when two such light sources are adjacent to one another the region containing VLC data transmission of the first apparatus is more likely to overlap a region from the second apparatus where no VLC data is being transmitted. Since DC offsets in received optical power are easy to filter out of VLC transmissions, this allows multiple VLC enabled light sources to be more closely packed while still providing high transmission rates to multiple users.

In some embodiments, the apparatus received information about where the user is from RF receivers. For example, a user may receive data using VLC but transmits it using a lower-bandwidth WiFi connection. Triangulation and beam-forming techniques can be used to pinpoint the location of the user within a room by analyzing the strength of the user's WiFi transmission at multiple WiFi transmitter antennas.

In some embodiments, the user transmits data either by VLC or WiFi, and the location of the user is determined by measuring the intensity of the VLC signal from the apparatus at the user and then transmitting that data back to the apparatus via WiFi or VLC from the user's VLC enabled device. This allows the apparatus to scan the room with a VLC communication spot and the time when a user detects maximum VLC signal is correlated to the spot position to aim the VLC beam at the user.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is attached to radio-controlled or autonomous unmanned aircraft. The unmanned aircraft could be drones, i.e. small scale vehicles such as miniature helicopters, quad-copters or other multi-rotor or single-rotor vertical takeoff and landing craft, airplanes and the like that were not constructed to carry a pilot or other person. The unmanned aircraft could be full-scale aircraft retrofitted with radio-controls or autopilot systems. The unmanned aircraft could be a craft where lift is provided by buoyancy such as blimps, dirigibles, helium and hydrogen balloons and the like.

Addition of VLC enabled, laser based dynamic white-light sources to unmanned aircraft is a highly advantageous configuration for applications where targeted lighting must be provided to areas with little or no infrastructure. As an example, embodiment, one or more of the apparatuses are provided on an unmanned aircraft. Power for the apparatuses is provided through one or more means such as internal power from batteries, a generator, solar panels provided on the aircraft, wind turbines provided on the aircraft and the like or external power provided by tethers including power lines. Data transmission to the aircraft can be provided either by a dedicated wireless connection to the craft or via transmission lines contained within the tether. Such a configuration is advantageous for applications where lighting must be provided in areas with little or no infrastructure and where the lighting needs to be directional and where the ability to modify the direction of the lighting is important. The small size of the apparatus, combined with the ability of the apparatus to change the shape and size of the white light spot dynamically as well as the ability of the unmanned aircraft to alter its position either through remote control by a user or due to internal programming allow for one or more of these aircraft to provide lighting as well as VLC communications to a location without the need for installation of fixed infrastructure. Situations where this would be advantageous include but are not limited to construction and road-work sites, event sites where people will gather at night, stadiums, coliseums, parking lots, etc. By combining a highly directional light source on an unmanned aircraft, fewer light sources can be used to provide illumination for larger areas with less infrastructures. Such an apparatus could be combined with infra-red imaging and image recognition algorithms, which allow the unmanned aircraft to identify pedestrians or moving vehicles and selectively illuminate them and provide general lighting as well as network connectivity via VLC in their vicinity.

FIG. 12A shows a schematic representation of a use case for one or more apparatuses in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An unmanned drone vehicle 2201 is provided with one or more of the dynamic white light apparatuses 2205 along with a visible light communication (VLC) or radio-frequency receiver 2204. The apparatuses emit light spots 2208 and 2206 that illuminate users on the ground. A terrestrial base station 2202 transmits digital data to the drone using a radio frequency or visible light communication channel 2203. This digital data is relayed to the plurality of users via visible light communication streams 2207 and 2209 using modulation of the laser light in the white light beams 2206 and 2208. The VLC data is received by the user using a smart system such as a smart watch, smart phone, a computerized wearable device, a table computer, a laptop computer or the like. The drone 2201 is able to change position vertically and horizontally to optimize its ability to illuminate and provide VLC communication to individual beneath it. The drone can be a propeller driven craft such as a helicopter or multiroter, it can be a lighter than aircraft such as a blimp or dirigible or it could be a fixed wing craft.

FIG. 12B shows a schematic representation of a use case for one or more apparatuses in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. An unmanned drone vehicle 2301 is provided with one or more of the dynamic white light apparatuses 2305. The apparatuses emit light spots 2308 and 2306 that illuminate users on the ground. A terrestrial base station 2302 is provided along with a tether 2303 that connects the base-station to the drone. Digital data is transmitted to the drone through the tether along with electrical power for running the drone and providing power for the white light emitting apparatuses. This digital data is relayed to the plurality of users via visible light communication streams 2307 and 2309 using modulation of the laser light in the white light beams 2306 and 2308. The VLC data is received by the user using a smart system such as a smart watch, smart phone, a computerized wearable device, a table computer, a laptop computer or the like.

In some embodiments, the drone 2301 is able to change position vertically and horizontally to optimize its ability to illuminate and provide VLC communication to individual beneath it. The drone can be a propeller driven craft such as a helicopter or multiroter, it can be a lighter than aircraft such as a blimp or dirigible or it could be a fixed wing craft.

In other embodiments, the drone is not capable of independent control of its position. In this case, the drone can be a propeller driven craft such as a helicopter, multirotor or the like. The drone can also be a lighter than aircraft such as a blimp or dirigible or the like.

FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D show a schematic representation of a use case for apparatuses in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this case, two dirigible drones 2403 and 2407 are provided. In FIG. 12C, the first drone is provided with a base-station 2401 and tether. The second drone is provided with an independent base station 2408 and tether 2404. Each drone is provided with one or more of the VLC-capable, white light emitters in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. A data stream 2402 is transmitted to a user via VLC communication 2405 using modulation of the laser component of a white light spot 2406 emitted by the first drone. As the user moves, the drone provides continuous illumination of the user and VLC coverage to the user by a combination of the drone actively altering its position relative to the user and dynamically controlling the shape and direction of the white light spot. In FIG. 12D, as the user continues to move, they will eventually exceed the range of coverage of the first drone, which is limited by the length of the tether and the throw distance of the apparatus. At this point, a handover must be made to the second drone. The second drone 2411 now provides a white light spot 2412 for illumination as well as a VLC data stream 2415 provided from a second base station 2413 along a tether 2414. It should be obvious to one knowledgeable in the art that more than two drones can be used to provide coverage to an even larger area. Moreover, communication channels can be provided between base-stations, between drones or between remote control systems such that the locations and motions of drones can be coordinated to provide superior coverage for both illumination and data transmission.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is attached to an autonomous vehicle such as an autonomous car, truck, boat or ship.

In some preferred embodiments the smart light source is used in Internet of Things (IoT), wherein the laser based smart light is used to communicate with objects such as household appliances (i.e., refrigerator, ovens, stove, etc), lighting, heating and cooling systems, electronics, furniture such as couches, chairs, tables, beds, dressers, etc., irrigation systems, security systems, audio systems, video systems, etc. Clearly, the laser based smart lights can be configured to communicate with computers, smart phones, tablets, smart watches, augmented reality (AR) components, virtual reality (VR) components, games including game consoles, televisions, and any other electronic devices.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is used for augmented reality applications. One such application is as a light source that is able to provide a dynamic light source that can interact with augmented reality glasses or headsets to provide more information about the environment of the user. For example, the apparatus may be able to communicate with the augmented reality headset via visible light communication (LiFi) as well as rapidly scan a spot of light or project a pattern of light onto objects in the room. This dynamically adjusted pattern or spot of light would be adjusted too quickly for the human eye to perceive as an independent spot. The augmented reality head-set would contain cameras that image the light pattern as they are projected onto objects and infer information about the shape and positioning of objects in the room. The augmented reality system would then be able to provide images from the system display that are designed to better integrate with objects in the room and thus provide a more immersive experience for the user.

For spatially dynamic embodiments, the laser light or the resulting white light must be dynamically aimed. A MEMS mirror is the smallest and most versatile way to do this, but this text covers others such as DLP and LCOS that could be used. A rotating polygon mirror was common in the past, but requires a large system with motors and multiple mirrors to scan in two or more directions. In general, the scanning mirror will be coated to produce a highly reflective surface. Coatings may include metallic coatings such as silver, aluminum and gold among others. Silver and Aluminum are preferred metallic coatings due to their relatively high reflectivity across a broad range of wavelengths. Coatings may also include dichroic coatings consisting of layers of differing refractive index. Such coatings can provide exceptionally high reflectivity across relatively narrow wavelength ranges. By combining multiple dichroic film stacks targeting several wavelength ranges a broad spectrum reflective film can be formed. In some embodiments, both a dichroic film and a metal reflector are utilized. For example, an aluminum film may be deposited first on a mirror surface and then overlaid with a dichroic film that is highly reflective in the range of 650-750 nm. Since aluminum is less reflective at these wavelengths, the combined film stack will produce a surface with relatively constant reflectivity for all wavelengths in the visible spectrum. In an example, a scanning mirror is coated with a silver film. The silver film is overlaid with a dichroic film stack which is greater than 50% reflective in the wavelength range of 400-500 nm.

In some embodiments, the signal from one or more sensors is input directly into the steering element driver, which is provided with circuits that adapt sensor input signals into drive currents or voltages for the one or more scanning mirrors. In other embodiments, a computer, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other control circuit external to the steering element driver is provided and adapts sensor signals into control signals that direct the steering element driver in controlling the one or more scanning mirrors.

In some embodiments, the scanning mirror driver responds to input from motion sensors such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer. In an example embodiment, the white light source acts as a spotlight, providing a narrowly diverging beam of white light. The scanning mirror driver responds to input from one or more accelerometers by angling the beam of light such that it leads the motion of the light source. In an example, the light source is used as a hand-held flashlight. As the flashlight is swept in an arc the scanning mirror directs the output of the light source in a direction that is angled towards the direction of motion of the flashlight. In an example embodiment, the white light source acts as a spotlight, providing a narrowly diverging beam of white light. The scanning mirror driver responds to input from one or more accelerometers and gyroscopes by directing the beam such that it illuminates the same spot regardless of the position of the light source. An application for such a device would be self-aiming spotlights on vehicles such as helicopters or automobiles.

In an embodiment, the dynamic white light source could be used to provide dynamic headlights for automobiles. Shape, intensity, and color point of the projected beam are modified depending on inputs from various sensors in the vehicle. In an example, a speedometer is used to determine the vehicle speed while in motion. Above a critical threshold speed, the headlamp projected beam brightness and shape are altered to emphasize illumination at distances that increase with increasing speed. In another example, sensors are used to detect the presence of street signs or pedestrians adjacent to the path of travel of the vehicle. Such sensor may include forward looking infra-red, infra-red cameras, CCD cameras, cameras, Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems, and ultrasonic rangefinders among others.

In an example, sensors are used to detect the presence of front, rear or side windows on nearby vehicles. Shape, intensity, and color point of the projected beam are modified to reduce how much of the headlight beam shines on passengers and operators of other vehicles. Such glare-reducing technology would be advantageous in night-time applications where compromises must be made between placement of lamps on vehicles optimized for how well an area is illuminated and placement of the beam to improve safety of other drivers by reducing glare.

At present, the high and low beams are used with headlights and the driver has to switch manually between them with all known disadvantages. The headlight horizontal swivel is used in some vehicles, but it is currently implemented with the mechanical rotation of the whole assembly. Based on the dynamic light source disclosed in this invention, it is possible to move the beam gradually and automatically from the high beam to low beam based on simple sensor(s) sensitive to the distance of the approaching vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or obstacle. The feedback from such sensors would move the beam automatically to maintain the best visibility and at the same time prevent blinding of the driver going in the opposite direction. With 2D scanners and the simple sensors, the scanned laser based headlights with horizontal and vertical scanning capability can be implemented.

Optionally, the distance to the incoming vehicles, obstacles, etc. or level of fog can be sensed by a number of ways. The sensors could include the simple cameras, including infrared one for sensing in dark, optical distance sensors, simple radars, light scattering sensor, etc. The distance would provide the signal for the vertical beam positioning, thus resulting in the optimum beam height that provides best visibility and does not blind drivers of the incoming vehicles.

In an alternative embodiment, the dynamic white light source could be used to provide dynamic lighting in restaurants based on machine vision. An infra-red or visible light camera is used to image a table with diners. The number and positions or diners at the table are identified by a computer, microcontroller, ASIC or other computing device. The microcontroller then outputs coordinated signals to the laser driver and the scanning mirror to achieve spatially localized lighting effects that change dynamically throughout the meal. By scanning the white light spot quickly enough the light would appear to the human eye to be a static illumination. For example, the white light source might be provided with red and green lasers which can be used to modulate the color point of the white light illuminating individual diners to complement their clothing color. The dynamic white light source could preferentially illuminate food dishes and drinks. The dynamic white light source could be provided with near-UV laser sources that could be used to highlight certain objects at the table by via fluorescence by preferentially illuminating them with near-UV light. The white light source could measure time of occupancy of the table as well as number of food items on the table to tailor the lighting brightness and color point for individual segments of the meal.

Such a white light source would also have applications in other venues. In another example use, the dynamic white light source could be used to preferentially illuminate people moving through darkened rooms such as theaters or warehouses.

In another alternative embodiment, the dynamic white light source could be used to illuminate workspaces. In an example, human machine interaction may be aided in a factory by using dynamically changing spatial distributions of light as well as light color point to provide information cues to workers about their work environments and tasks. For example, dangerous pieces of equipment could be highlighted in a light spot with a predetermined color point when workers approach. As another example, emergency egress directions customized for individual occupants based on their locations could be projected onto the floor or other surfaces of a building.

In other embodiments, individuals would be tracked using triangulation of RFID badges or triangulation of Wi-Fi transmissions or other means that could be included in devices such as cell phones, smart watches, laptop computers, or any type of device.

In an alternative aspect, the present disclosure provides a smart light system with color and brightness dynamic control. The smart light system includes a microcontroller configured to receive input information for generating one or more control signals. Further, the smart light system includes a laser device configured to be driven by at least one of the one or more control signals to emit at lease a first laser beam with a first peak wavelength in a color range of violet or blue spectrum and a second laser beam with a second peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength. Additionally, the smart light system includes a pathway configured to dynamically guide the first laser beam and the second laser beam. The smart light system further includes a wavelength converting member configured to receive either the first laser beam or the second laser beam from the pathway and configured to convert a first fraction of the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength to a first spectrum with a third peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength or convert a second fraction of the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength to a second spectrum with a fourth peak wavelength longer than the second peak wavelength. The first spectrum and the second spectrum respectively combine with remaining fraction of the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength and the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength to reemit an output light beam of a broader spectrum dynamically varied from a first color point to a second color point. Furthermore, the smart light system includes a beam shaping optical element configured to collimate and focus the output light beam and a beam steering optical element configured to direct the output light beam. The smart light system further includes a beam steering driver coupled to the microcontroller to receive some of the one or more control signals based on input information for the beam steering optical element to dynamically scan the output light beam substantially in white color to provide spatially modulated illumination and selectively direct one or more of the multiple laser beams with the first peak wavelengths in different color ranges onto one or more of multiple target areas or into one or more of multiple target directions in one or more selected periods. Moreover, the smart light system includes one or more sensors configured in a feedback loop circuit coupled to the controller. The one or more sensors are configured to provide one or more feedback currents or voltages based on the various parameters associated with the target of interest detected in real time to the controller with one or more of light movement response, light color response, light brightness response, spatial light pattern response, and data signal communication response being triggered.

Optionally, the laser device includes one or more first laser diodes for emitting the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength in violet spectrum ranging from 380 to 420 nm or blue spectrum ranging from 420 to 480 nm.

Optionally, the laser device includes one or more second laser diodes for emitting the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength in red spectrum ranging from 600 to 670 nm, or in green spectrum ranging from 480 nm to 550 nm, or in another blue spectrum with the second peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength.

Optionally, the one or more first laser diodes include an active region including a gallium and nitrogen containing material configured to be driven by the one or more driving currents.

Optionally, the gallium and nitrogen containing material includes one or more of GaN, AlN, InN, InGaN, AlGaN, InAlN, InAlGaN.

Optionally, the one or more second laser diodes include an active region including a gallium and arsenic containing material configured to be driven by the one or more driving currents.

Optionally, the wavelength converting member includes a first phosphor material selected for absorbing a first ratio of the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength in the violet spectrum and converting to a first spectrum with the third peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength to emit a first output light beam with a first color point, a second phosphor material selected for absorbing a second ratio of the first laser beam with the first peak wavelength in the blue spectrum and converting to a second spectrum with the third peak wavelength longer than the first peak wavelength to emit a second output light beam with a second color point, a third phosphor material selected for absorbing a third ratio of the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength and converting to a third spectrum with the fourth wavelength longer than the second peak wavelength to emit a third output light beam with a third color point.

Optionally, the pathway includes an optical fiber to guide either the first laser beam or the second laser beam to the wavelength converter member disposed remotely as a remote light source.

Optionally, the pathway includes a waveguide for guiding either the first laser beam or the second laser beam to the wavelength converter member to generate the output light beam with a dynamically varying color point.

Optionally, the pathway includes free-space optics devices.

Optionally, the beam shaping optical element includes one or a combination of more optical elements selected a list of slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics, refractive optics, and micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors configured to direct, collimate, focus the output light beam with modified angular distribution thereof.

Optionally, beam steering optical element is selected from one of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror, a digital light processing (DLP) chip, a digital mirror device (DMD), and a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) chip.

Optionally, the beam steering optical element includes a 2-dimensional array of micro-mirrors to steer, pattern, and/or pixelate the multiple output light beams with varying color points by reflecting from corresponding pixels at a predetermined angle to turn each pixel on or off.

Optionally, the 2-dimensional array of micro-mirrors are configured to be activated by some of the one or more control signals received by the beam steering driver from the microcontroller based on the input information to manipulate the multiple output light beams with respective color points being dynamically adjusted to provide a pattern of color and brightness onto a surface of a target area or into a direction of a target space.

Optionally, the microcontroller includes an interface configured as a user input dial, switch, or joystick mechanism or a feedback loop module for receiving the input information that is updated in real time via the one or more sensors.

Optionally, the pattern of color and brightness is a text, a picture, a video projected as holography image or onto a screen.

Optionally, the microcontroller is disposed in a smart phone, a smart watch, a computerized wearable device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a vehicle-built-in computer, a drone.

Optionally, the one or more sensors includes one or a combination of multiple of sensors selected from microphone, geophone, motion sensor, radio-frequency identification (RFID) receivers, hydrophone, chemical sensors including a hydrogen sensor, CO₂ sensor, or electronic nose sensor, flow sensor, water meter, gas meter, Geiger counter, altimeter, airspeed sensor, speed sensor, range finder, piezoelectric sensor, gyroscope, inertial sensor, accelerometer, MEMS sensor, Hall effect sensor, metal detector, voltage detector, photoelectric sensor, photodetector, photoresistor, pressure sensor, strain gauge, thermistor, thermocouple, pyrometer, temperature gauge, motion detector, passive infrared sensor, Doppler sensor, biosensor, capacitance sensor, video cameras, transducer, image sensor, infrared sensor, radar, SONAR, LIDAR.

Optionally, the one or more sensors is configured in the feedback loop circuit to provide feedback current or voltage to the microcontroller to tune at least one of the one or more control signals to adjust brightness of either the first laser beam with a first peak wavelength or the second laser beam with the second peak wavelength.

Optionally, the one or more sensors is configured in the feedback loop circuit to provide feedback current or voltage to the microcontroller to tune at least one of the one or more control signals for operating the beam steering optical element to adjust a spatial position illuminated by the output light beam.

Optionally, the one or more sensors is configured in the feedback loop circuit to provide a feedback current or voltage to the microcontroller to tune at least one of the one or more control signals for adjusting the beam shaping optical element to adjust incident angles of either the first laser beam or the second laser beam to tune respective ratios being converted by respective phosphor materials of the wavelength converting member for tuning color points of respective output light beams.

In a specific embodiment, a laser or super-luminescent light emitting diode (SLED) driver module is provided. For example, the laser driver module generates a drive current, with the drive currents being adapted to drive a laser diode to transmit one or more signals such as data, frames of images, audio and video recordings, or any sequences of binary values. In a specific embodiment, the laser driver module is configured to generate pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz or 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In another embodiment the laser driver module is configured to generate multiple, independent pulse-modulated light signal at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 1 GHz or 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In an embodiment, the laser driver signal can be modulated by an analog voltage or current signal.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a light source configured for emission of laser based visible light such as white light and an infrared light, to form an illumination source capable of providing visible and IR illumination. The light source includes a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode excitation source configured with an optical cavity. The optical cavity includes an optical waveguide region and one or more facet regions. The optical cavity is configured with electrodes to supply a first driving current to the gallium and nitrogen containing material. The first driving current provides an optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region of the gallium and nitrogen containing material. The electromagnetic radiation is outputted through at least one of the one or more facet regions as a directional electromagnetic radiation characterized by a first peak wavelength in the ultra-violet, blue, green, or red wavelength regime. Furthermore, the light source includes a wavelength converter, such as a phosphor member, optically coupled to the electromagnet radiation pathway to receive the directional electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source. The wavelength converter is configured to convert at least a fraction of the directional electromagnetic radiation with the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength. In a preferred embodiment the output is comprised of a white-color spectrum with at least the second peak wavelength and partially the first peak wavelength forming the laser based visible light spectrum component according to the present invention. In one example, the first peak wavelength is a blue wavelength, and the second peak wavelength is a yellow wavelength. The light source optionally includes a beam shaper configured to direct the white-color spectrum for illuminating a target or area of interest.

There are many wavelength regimes which are of interest for Solid State lighting for non-photopic reasons. Some examples industries and the wavelengths of interest are shown in Table 1. Broadly speaking, all wavelengths can be utilized for photochemistry applications, the wavelength regions carry different amounts of energy and thus interact with different bond strengths. For example, VUV with photon energies of 7-13 eV are strong enough to cleave Water and Oxygen into radicals. UV-A, though lower energy than VUV can promote Vitamin D production in skin and be used for air purification and bacterial disinfection. At the lowest energy region, the Near IR, recent developments in thermal imaging and LIDAR are noted.

TABLE 1 Wavelength Regimes and Exemplary Applications 320-420 nm 100-200 nm 200-280 nm 280-320 nm UV-A and 380-780 nm 780-2500 nm VUV UV-C UV-B violet Visible Near IR Photochemistry Photochemistry Photochemistry Photochemistry Thermal Imaging, IR illumination Wafer Cleaning Air Disinfection Tanning Tanning Ozone Water Skin Disease Water Generation Disinfection Treatment Purification Surface Air Purification Topical Disinfection and surface Medicine cleaning Activation, tissue healing Communication Communication Communication Communication Depth sensing, Depth sensing, Depth sensing, Depth sensing, LIDAR LIDAR LIDAR LIDAR

In general, there are many possible applications and benefits of including light sources in these ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelength regimes within visible light sources. For example, by including light sources such as lasers in the near IR region, the visible light source can also function to provide IR illumination or thermal imaging, provide a depth sensing or 3D imaging sensing signal in LIDAR applications, provide a communication link by enabling high speed data transmission, and provide medical benefits such as topical medicine activation and enhance tissue healing. With independent control of the visible light function and the IR light functions, these benefits or capabilities in the IR can be achieved either simultaneous to the white light illumination function or separately. In some embodiments of the present invention, IR light sources such as IR light sources are included within the laser based visible light source.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the visible laser based white light source includes an additional light source on the high energy side of the visible light spectrum such as a light source in the UV-A or violet wavelength ranges. Here light sources ranging from 320 nm to 400 nm or even to longer violet wavelengths such as 400 nm to 420 nm, can be included in the light source to perform functions such as purification of water, purification of air, and cleaning of surfaces. The UV or visible light source can preferably be generated by a laser diode but could also come from a light emitting diode. The cleaning action occurs as the light breaks down and eventually destroys bacteria, virus, and germs. At this lower energy end of the UV wavelength range longer exposure times may be required for highly effective cleaning and disinfecting. However, a strong benefit to this lower energy region of the UV is that it is safe for human exposure, especially as the wavelength is increased to the 390 to 415 nm range. By including these UV-A or violet sources with wavelengths in the 390 nm to 415 nm wavelength range, such as 405 nm, in visible light sources the UV-A light can be activated in a near continuous and safe fashion to provide a cleaning/disinfecting benefit to the environment.

In a preferred embodiment, the UV-A light or violet light is generated by a laser diode that is included within the visible laser based white light source. In alternative embodiments, the UV-A light or violet light is generated by a different type of light sources such as a light emitting diode. The UV-A light or violet light can be operated simultaneous to the visible white light illumination when the visible light is needed or can be operated when the visible light is not needed such as during close of business or when there is sufficient ambient light. This can allow the UV-A or violet source to be emitting all the time for a continuous cleaning/disinfecting result. The net effect is a light source that can provide a safer and cleaner environment, which could find application in virtually any location including hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, offices, homes, etc. In some embodiments of the present invention, a UV-A light source or a light source in the 390 nm to 415 nm range such as a 405 nm light source is included within the laser based visible light source. The UV-A light source or the violet light source in the 400 nm to 415 nm range is a laser diode emitting in this wavelength range. In some embodiments, the laser based light source is equipped with sensors for feedback loops and/or computational power or inputs to establish a lighting algorithm that can control when the disinfecting UV light and the visible white light should be emitting from the source.

In some applications the UV-A light or violet light in the 320 nm to 420 nm range is generated by a laser diode and can function as a data transmission medium to send high data rate encoded data to a receiver to form a communication link as described in this invention. In other applications the UV-A light or violet light in the 320 nm to 420 nm range is generated by a laser diode and can function as a sensing light in a depth sensing or ranging device, such as sensing devices that use time of flight measurement to detect a distance. In yet other applications the UV-A light or violet light in the 320 nm to 420 nm range is generated by a laser diode and can function as a sensing light in a 3D LiDAR system where the depths of a 2D array of spatial coordinates are measured to create a 3D image.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a higher energy UV light source is included in the laser based white light source. In these embodiments the UV light source can operate in the UV-C wavelength range from 200 nm to 280 nm or the UV-B wavelength range from 280 nm to 320 nm. The addition of these higher energy wavelengths can provide more rapid and more intense purification and disinfecting properties to the laser based white light source, compared with that from the UV-A or violet wavelengths. When using these wavelengths for disinfecting, purification, and cleaning it is highly important to implement the proper safety considerations and controls since prolonged exposure to humans or animals can have adverse health effects. In a preferred embodiment, the UV-B or UV-C light is generated by a laser diode that is included within the visible laser based white light source. In alternative embodiments, the UV-B or UV-C light is generated by a different type of light sources such as a light emitting diode.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the laser based white light source including the UV-C or UV-B light source would be designed such that the UV light was only activated for fixed periods of time to avoid over exposure, or the UV light could be activated at specific times when no human beings or animals are present. The independent controls of the white light emission and the UV light emission could allow the light source to provide its cleaning and disinfecting function as determined by the user, which could be at nighttime in office spaces when there are no occupants, could be between patient visits/occupants in hospitals and healthcare settings, when an airplane or bus is empty or a seat is not occupied, in stores and shopping centers during close of business, when a system senses that an area is not being used or is not occupied, and so on, to enable safe and effective disinfecting. In some embodiments, the laser based light source is equipped with sensors for feedback loops and/or computational power or inputs to establish a lighting algorithm that can control when the disinfecting UV light and the visible white light should be emitting from the source.

In some applications the UV-C light or UV-B light in the 320 nm to 420 nm range can function as a data transmission medium to send high data rate encoded data to a receiver to form a communication link as described in this invention. In other applications the UV-C light or UV-B light in the 320 nm to 420 nm range can function as a sensing light in a depth sensing or ranging device, such as sensing devices that use time of flight measurement to detect a distance. In yet other applications the UV-C light or UV-B light in the 320 nm to 420 nm range can function as a sensing light in a 3D LiDAR system where the depths of a 2D array of spatial coordinates are measured to create a 3D image.

In other embodiments of the present invention, light sources operating in the VUV range from 100 nm to 200 nm are included in the laser based white light source. Such deep UV light sources can be used for various applications when combined with the white light source. Safety considerations would need to be employed to avoid unsafe use of the high energy VUV light.

In many preferred embodiments according to the present invention a UV laser with an emission peak wavelength in the 200 nm to 400 nm range, and/or a violet laser diode operating in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 410 nm or up to the 425 nm range is included in the laser based white light source. In certain preferred embodiments the laser based white light source uses a blue laser diode pumping a yellow emitting YAG based phosphor to generate a white light, wherein the phosphor is operated in a reflection mode. In an ideal configuration, the UV and/or violet emission is incident on the phosphor in substantially the same spot as the blue laser diode such that the generated white light emission and the scattered/reflected UV and/or violet emission are substantially spatially overlapping. In a similar manner, some embodiments may include a blue laser diode, a UV laser diode, and a violet laser diode. By having the emission of the white light and the UV and/or violet emission from the same spatial position, a common optic or optical system can be used to project and direct the white light and the UV and/or violet emission. In such reflective mode applications, careful consideration must be given to the UV and/or violet interaction with the YAG phosphor. In other embodiments of the present invention the phosphor member is operated in a transmission mode.

In this present invention that includes a UV and/or a violet laser diode, and/or an IR emitting laser diode in the white light source, the diffuse and specular reflection of phosphor must be understood such that the design can be optimized for the phosphor interaction with the UV and/or IR light in the wavelength regimes of interest as described in U.S. Publication No. 2021/0215319, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

In one embodiment of the present invention a laser diode or light emitting diode is included to form an IR emission component of a dual band emitting light source. The IR laser diode might emit in the infra-red region at wavelengths between 800 nm and 2 microns. Such a light engine would be advantageous for communication as the infra-red device, while not adding to the luminous efficacy of the white light source, or as a visible light source with a non-visible channel for communications. This allows for data transfer to continue under a broader range of conditions and could enable for higher data rates if the non-visible laser configured for data transmission was more optimally suited for high-speed modulation such as a telecom laser or vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). Another benefit of using a non-visible laser diode for communication allows the VLC-enabled white light source to use a non-visible emitter capable of effectively transmitting data even when the visible light source is turned off for any reason in applications. The IR laser diode may contain an optical cavity configured with electrodes to supply a driving current configured to the IR laser diode. The driving current provides an optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region of the IR laser diode material. The electromagnetic radiation is outputted through at least one of one or more facet regions as a directional electromagnetic radiation characterized by a peak wavelength in the IR regime. In one configuration the directional IR emission is optically coupled to the wavelength converter member such that the wavelength converter member is within the optical pathway of the IR emission to receive the directional electromagnetic radiation from the excitation source. Once incident on the wavelength converter member, the IR emission with the peak wavelength would be at least partially reflected from the wavelength converter member and redirected into the same optical pathway as the white light emission with the first and second peak wavelengths. The IR emission would be directed through the optional beam shaper configured to direct the output IR light for illuminating approximately the same target or area of interest as the visible light. In this embodiment the first and second driving current could be activated independently such that the apparatus could provide a visible light source with only the first driving current activated, an IR light source with the associated driving current activated or could simultaneously provide both a visible and IR light source. In some applications it would be desirable to only use the IR illumination source for IR detection. Once an object was detected, the visible light source could be activated.

FIG. 13A is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a gallium and nitrogen containing violet or blue pump laser and a wavelength converting element to generate a white light emission, and an infrared emitting laser diode to generate an IR emission according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13A, a violet or blue laser device emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. The light from the violet or blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element, which partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range. In some embodiments the laser diode is comprised from a III-nitride material emitting in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of about 270 nm to about 390 nm. A laser driver is provided which powers the gallium and nitrogen containing laser device to excite the visible emitting wavelength member. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements may be provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum. Additionally, an IR emitting laser device is included to generate an IR illumination. The directional IR electromagnetic radiation from the laser diode is incident on the wavelength converting element wherein it is reflected from or transmitted through the wavelength converting element such that it follows the same optical path as the white light emission. The IR emission could include a peak wavelength in the 700 nm to 1100 nm range based on gallium and arsenic material system (e.g., GaAs) for near-IR illumination, or a peak wavelength in the 1100 to 2500 nm range based on an indium and phosphorous containing material system (e.g., InP) for eye-safe wavelength IR illumination, or in the 2500 nm to 15000 nm wavelength range based on quantum cascade laser technology for mid-IR thermal imaging. For example, GaInAs/AlInAs quantum cascade lasers operate at room temperature in the wavelength range of 3 μm to 8 μm. A laser drive is included to power the IR emitting laser diode and deliver a controlled amount of current at a sufficiently high voltage to operate the IR laser diode. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element.

In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber. The optical fiber of an arbitrary length, including a single mode fiber (SMF) or a multi-mode fiber (MMF), with core diameters ranging from about 1 um to 10 um, about 10 um to 50 um, about 50 um to 150 um, about 150 um to 500 um, about 500 um to 1 mm, about 1 mm to 5 mm or greater than 5 mm. The optical fiber is aligned with a collimation optics member to receive the collimated white light and/or IR emission.

In some embodiments, a violet or ultraviolet may be a laser or non-laser source such as a LED, a bulb, plasma technology, or the like.

In an additional configuration of the present embodiment that includes a direct laser diode IR illumination source, the IR illumination is optically coupled directly to the optical beam shaping elements rather than interacting with the wavelength converter element where it would be reflected and/or transmitted. FIG. 13B is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a gallium and nitrogen containing violet or blue pump laser and a wavelength converting element to generate a white light emission, and an infrared emitting laser diode to generate an IR emission according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the white light source is used as a “light engine” for VLC or smart lighting applications. Referring to FIG. 13B, a blue or violet laser device emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range. In some embodiments the laser diode is comprised from a III-nitride material emitting in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of about 270 nm to about 390 nm. The light from the violet or blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element, which partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. A laser driver is provided which powers the gallium and nitrogen containing laser device. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements may be provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum. Additionally, an IR emitting laser device is included to generate an IR illumination. The directional IR electromagnetic radiation from the laser diode is directly optically coupled to the beam shaper elements, avoiding interactions with the wavelength converter element. The IR emission could include a peak wavelength in the 700 nm to 1100 nm range based on gallium and arsenic material system (e.g., GaAs) for near-IR illumination, or a peak wavelength in the 1100 to 2500 nm range based on an indium and phosphorous containing material system (e.g., InP) for eye-safe wavelength IR illumination, or in the 2500 nm to 15000 nm wavelength range based on quantum cascade laser technology for mid-IR thermal imaging. For example, GaInAs/AlInAs quantum cascade lasers operate at room temperature in the wavelength range of 3 μm to 8μm. A laser drive is included to power the IR emitting laser diode. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element.

In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber. The optical fiber of an arbitrary length, including a single mode fiber (SMF) or a multi-mode fiber (MMF), with core diameters ranging from about 1 um to 10 um, about 10 um to 50 um, about 50 um to 150 um, about 150 um to 500 um, about 500 um to 1 mm, about 1 mm to 5 mm or greater than 5 mm. The optical fiber is aligned with a collimation optics member to receive the collimated white light and/or IR emission.

The resulting spectrum from the embodiment described in FIGS. 13A and 13B according to the present invention would be comprised of a relatively narrow band (about 0.5 to 3 nm) emission spectrum from the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode in the UV or blue wavelength region, a broadband (about 10 to 100 nm) wavelength converter emission in the visible spectrum with a longer peak wavelength than the UV or blue laser diode, and the relatively narrow band (about 1 to 10 nm) emission from the IR laser diode with a longer wavelength than the peak emission wavelength from the visible phosphor member. Of course, there can be many other configurations of the present invention, including different wavelength emitting gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes, different wavelength visible phosphor emission, and different wavelength IR laser diode peak emission wavelengths. For example, the IR laser diode could operate with a peak wavelength of between 700 nm and 3 um.

The IR lasers according to the present invention could be configured to emit at wavelengths between 700 nm and 2.5 microns. The IR laser diode can be used to provide an IR illumination function or a LiFi/VLC communication function, or a combination of both functions. For example, a laser diode emitting in the 700 nm to 1100 nm range based on GaAs for NIR night vision illumination, range finding and LIDAR sensing, and communication could be included. In another example a laser diode operating in the 1100 to 2500 nm range based on InP for eye-safe wavelength IR illumination, range finding, LIDAR sensing, and communication could be included. In yet another example, a laser diode operating the in 2500 nm to 15000 nm wavelength range based on quantum cascade laser technology for mid-IR thermal imaging, sensing, and communication could be included. For example, GaInAs/AlInAs quantum cascade lasers operate at room temperature in the wavelength range of 3 μm to 8 μm. IR laser diode devices according to the present invention could be formed on InP substrates using the InGaAsP material system or formed on GaAs substrates using the InAlGaAsP. Quantum cascade lasers can be included for IR emission. In one embodiment one or more IR laser devices could be formed on the same carrier wafer as the visible violet or blue GaN laser diode source using the epitaxy transfer technology according to this invention. Such a device would be advantageous for IR illumination since it could be low cost, compact, and have similar emission aperture location as the visible laser diode to effectively superimpose the IR emission and the visible light emission. Additionally, such a device would be advantageous in communication applications as the IR laser diode, while not adding to the luminous efficacy of the light engine, would provide a non-visible channel for communications. This would allow for data transfer to continue under a broader range of conditions. For example, a VLC-enabled light engine using only visible emitters would be incapable of effectively transmitting data when the light source is nominally turned off as one would find in, for example, a movie theater, conference room during a presentation, a moodily lit restaurant or bar, or a bedroom at night among others. In another example, the non-converted laser device might emit a spectrum corresponding to blue or violet light, with a center wavelength between 390 and 480 nm. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range or can operate in the UV range from about 270 nm to 390 nm. In another embodiment, the non-converted blue or violet laser may either be not incident on the wavelength converting element and combined with the white light spectrum in beam shaping and combining optics. In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber.

In a second embodiment of the present invention a second wavelength converter element member is included to provide an emission in the IR regime at a third peak wavelength, to provide the IR emission component of the dual band emitting light source. The IR wavelength converter member, such as a phosphor member, is configured to receive and absorb a laser induced pump light and emit a longer wavelength IR light. In this embodiment, the dual band light source comprises the first wavelength converter member for emitting visible light and the second wavelength converter member for emitting IR light.

Extending the usable wavelength range for laser based lighting, it is possible to use Infrared down-converting phosphors to generate emission in the NIR (0.7-1.4 um) and mid-IR (1.4-3.0 um) spectrum, or into the deeper IR of beyond 3.0 um. This could be purely IR emission, or a combination of visible and infrared emission depending on application requirements. A large number of potential IR phosphors exist, but their suitability depends on the application wavelength, and the phosphors inherent properties for conversion of visible light to IR light. In some embodiments the phosphor emission is characterized by a 1550 nm photoluminescence peak wavelength emission.

In another example according to this invention, the phosphor is configured for a transmission mode operation wherein the excitation surface and the emission surface would be on opposite sides or faces of the phosphor. In this configuration, the phosphor could have an antireflective coating layer on the emission surface configured to reduce the reflectivity of the IR phosphor emission such that it can more efficiently exit the phosphor member as useful IR emission from the emission surface. Such coating reflectivity reducing layers could be comprised of dielectric layers such as silicon dioxide, tantalum pentoxide, hafnia, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, or others. In some embodiments the phosphor surface is intentionally roughened or patterned to reduce the reflectivity and induce an optical scattering effect.

In another example according to this invention, the phosphor is configured for a reflective mode operation wherein the excitation beam is incident on the emission surface such that emission and excitation of the phosphor takes place on the same side or face of the phosphor member. In this configuration, the phosphor could have an antireflective coating layer on the emission surface configured to reduce the reflectivity of the IR phosphor emission such that it can more efficiently exit the phosphor member and/or reduce the reflectivity of the excitation light such that it can more efficiently penetrate into the phosphor where it can be converted to useful IR emission. Such coating layers could be comprised of dielectric layers such as silicon dioxide, tantalum pentoxide, hafnia, aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, or others. Moreover, in some embodiments comprised of a reflection mode phosphor the backside or bottom side of the phosphor member would be configured with a highly reflective coating or layer. The reflective coating would function to reflect the IR emitted light generated in the phosphor off the back surface so that it can be usefully emitted through the top or front side emission surface. The reflective coating could also be configured to reflect the excitation light. Such reflective coating layers could be comprised of metals such as Ag, Al, or others, or could be comprised of dielectric layers such as distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) stacks.

When integrating the IR emitting phosphor member with the laser based white light illumination source there are multiple arrangements that the visible emitting and IR emitting phosphor members can be configured with respect to each other. The examples provided in this application are not intended to coverall all such arrangements and shall not limit the scope of the present invention, because of course there could be other arrangements and architectures. Perhaps the simplest example phosphor arrangement would have the first and second wavelength converter members configured in a side by side, or adjacent arrangement such that the white light emission from the first wavelength converter member is emitted from a separate spatial location than the IR emission from the second wavelength converter member. In this example, the first and second wavelength converter members could be excited by separate laser diode members wherein in one embodiment the first wavelength converter member would be excited by a first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes such as violet, blue, or green laser diodes, and the second wavelength converter member would be excited by a second gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes such as violet, blue, or green laser diodes. In a second embodiment of this example the first wavelength converter member is excited by a first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode such as a violet or blue laser diode, and the second wavelength converter member is excited by a second laser diode formed from a different material system operating in the red or IR wavelength region, such as a gallium and arsenic containing material or an indium and phosphorous containing material. In these embodiments the first laser diode would be excited by a first drive current and the second laser diode would be excited by a second drive current. Since the first and second drive currents could be activated independently, the dual band light emitting source could provide a visible light source with only the first driving current activated, an IR light source with only the second driving current activated or could simultaneously provide both a visible and IR light source with both the first and second drive currents activated. In some applications it would be desirable to only use the IR illumination source for IR detection. Once an object is detected with the IR illumination, the visible light source can be activated to visibly illuminate the target.

FIG. 14A is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a gallium and nitrogen containing violet or blue pump laser and a wavelength converting element to generate a white light emission, and an infrared emitting wavelength converter member to generate an IR emission according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14A, a blue or violet laser device formed from a gallium and nitrogen containing material emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range. In some embodiments the laser diode is comprised from a III-nitride material emitting in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of about 270 nm to about 390 nm. The light from the violet or blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element, which partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. A laser driver is provided which powers the gallium and nitrogen containing laser device. The light from the blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element, which partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements may be provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum. Additionally, an IR emitting wavelength converter member with a peak emission wavelength in the 650 nm to 2000 nm, or greater, range is included. A second laser device is included to excite the IR wavelength converter and generate the IR illumination emission. A laser driver is included to power the IR emitting laser diode. In some embodiments a beam shaper element is included to collect and direct the IR illumination emission. In a preferred embodiment, the IR illumination and the white light illumination emission share at least a common beam shaping element such that the illumination areas of the visible light and the IR light can be approximately super-imposed. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics such as parabolic reflectors, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element.

In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber. The optical fiber of an arbitrary length, including a single mode fiber (SMF) or a multi-mode fiber (MMF), with core diameters ranging from about 1 um to 10 um, about 10 um to 50 um, about 50 um to 150 um, about 150 um to 500 um, about 500 um to 1 mm, about 1 mm to 5 mm or greater than 5 mm. The optical fiber is aligned with a collimation optics member to receive the collimated white light and/or IR emission.

In another embodiment of the above example, the adjacent or side by side wavelength converter elements are excited by the same gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode with a peak wavelength in the violet or blue wavelength range. This can be accomplished in several ways. One such way is to position the output laser excitation beam such that it is incident on both the first visible emitting wavelength converting member and the second IR emitting phosphor member. This configuration could be designed such that the proper fraction of the beam is incident on the first wavelength converting member for a desired visible light emission and a proper fraction incident on the second wavelength converter member for a desired IR light emission. In another such example, a beam steering element such as a MEMS scanning mirror could be included in the system. The beam steering element could be programmed or manually tuned to steer the excitation laser beam to be incident on the first wavelength converting element to generate a visible light when desired and to steer the beam to be incident on the IR emitting phosphor when desired. In this configuration, the dual band illumination source could selectively illuminate in either the visible or the IR spectrum, or simultaneously illuminate in both spectrums.

FIG. 14B is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a gallium and nitrogen containing violet or blue pump laser and a wavelength converting element to generate a white light emission, and an infrared emitting wavelength converter member to generate an IR emission according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14B, a blue or violet laser device formed from a gallium and nitrogen containing material emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range. In some embodiments the laser diode is comprised from a III-nitride material emitting in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of about 270 nm to about 390 nm. The light from the violet or blue laser device is incident on a beam steering element such as a MEMS scanning mirror. The beam steering element functions to optionally steer the excitation beam to the first wavelength converting element to partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced or to a second wavelength converting element to generate an IR emission. A laser driver is provided which powers the gallium and nitrogen containing laser device. The IR emitting wavelength converter member can have a peak emission wavelength in the 650 nm to 2000 nm, or greater, range. In a preferred embodiment, the IR illumination and the white light illumination emission share at least a common beam shaping element such that the illumination areas of the visible light and the IR light can be approximately super-imposed. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics such as parabolic reflectors, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element. In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber.

In another example according to this invention, the first wavelength converter member and the second wavelength converter member could be combined. In one combination configuration the visible emitting wavelength converter and the IR emitting wavelength converter are vertically stacked arrangement. Preferably the first wavelength converter member would be arranged on the same side as the primary emission surface of the stacked wavelength converter arrangement such that the IR light emitted from the second wavelength converter can pass through the first wavelength converter member without appreciable absorption. That is, in a reflective mode configuration, the first wavelength converter member emitting the visible light would be arranged on top of the second wavelength converter member emitting the IR light such that the visible and IR emission exiting the emission surface of the first wavelength converter would be collected as useful light. That is, the IR emission with the third peak wavelength would be emitted into the same optical pathway as the white light emission with the first and second peak wavelengths.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a gallium and nitrogen containing violet or blue pump laser configured to excite a wavelength converting element to generate a white light emission and a wavelength converting element to generate an IR emission according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15 , a blue or violet laser device formed from a gallium and nitrogen containing material emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range. In some embodiments the laser diode is comprised from a III-nitride material emitting in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of about 270 nm to about 390 nm. The light from the violet or blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element that is comprised of both a visible emitting element and an IR emitting element, which could be configured in a stacked or composite arrangement. The visible wavelength converter element, such as a phosphor, partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. Moreover, the blue light from the laser diode and/or the visible light from the visible emitting wavelength converter member excites the IR emitting phosphor to generate an IR illumination. A laser driver is provided which powers the gallium and nitrogen containing laser device. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements may be provided in order to shape or focus the white light spectrum. In a preferred embodiment, the IR illumination and the white light illumination emission share at least a common beam shaping element such that the illumination areas of the visible light and the IR light can be approximately super-imposed. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics such as parabolic reflectors, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element. In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber.

The resulting spectrum from the embodiment described in FIG. 15 according to the present invention would be comprised of a relatively narrow band (about 0.5 to 3 nm) emission spectrum from the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode in the UV or blue wavelength region, a broadband (about 10 to 100 nm) wavelength converter emission in the visible spectrum with a longer peak wavelength than the UV or blue laser diode, and a relatively broadband (about 10 to 100 nm) wavelength converter emission in the IR spectrum with a longer peak wavelength than the peak emission wavelength from the visible phosphor member. Of course, there can be many other configurations of the present invention, including different wavelength emitting gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes, different wavelength emitting visible phosphor member, and different wavelength emitting IR phosphor members. For example, the IR emitting phosphor member could emit a peak wavelength of between 700 nm and 3 um.

In another example of the present example with the combined wavelength converter members the first and second wavelength converter members could be excited by separate laser diode members wherein in one embodiment the first wavelength converter member would be excited by a first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes such as violet or blue laser diode and the second wavelength converter member would be excited by a second gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes such as a green emitting or longer wavelength laser diode. In a second embodiment of this example the first wavelength converter member is excited by a first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode such as a violet or blue laser diode, and the second wavelength converter member is excited by a second laser diode formed from a different material system operating in the red or IR wavelength region, such as a gallium and arsenic containing material or an indium and phosphorous containing material. The key consideration for this embodiment is to select the second laser diode with an operating wavelength that will not be substantially absorbed in the first wavelength converter member but will be absorbed in the second wavelength converter member such that when the second laser diode is activated the emission will pass through the first wavelength converter to excite the second wavelength converter and generate the IR emission. The result is that the first laser diode member primarily activates the first wavelength converter member to generate visible light and the second laser diode member primarily activates the second wavelength converter to generate IR light. The benefit to this version of the stacked wavelength converter configuration is that since the first laser diode would be excited by a first drive current and the second laser diode would be excited by a second drive current the first and second wavelength converter members could be activated independently such that the dual band light emitting source could provide a visible light source with only the first driving current activated, an IR light source with only the second driving current activated, or could simultaneously provide both a visible and IR light source with both the first and second drive currents activated. In some applications it would be desirable to only use the IR illumination source for IR detection. It is to be understood that the visible light emission from the from the first wavelength converter member may at least partially excite IR emission from the second wavelength converter member. In this case, the source may simultaneously emit both visible and IR emission when the visible light is activated. Thus, for dual emission of both the visible light and the IR emission, in one embodiment according to the present invention, only the first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operating in the violet or blue region may be required. However, and very importantly, when the longer wavelength laser diode is activated to excite the IR emitting wavelength converter member, no substantial visible light would be emitted. This would enable IR illumination of a target without revealing the presence of the illumination source. Once an object was detected, the visible light source could be activated.

Alternatively, the visible light emission could be excited by a first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode such as a violet or blue laser diode, and the IR emission could be excited by a second laser diode formed from a different material system operating in the red or IR wavelength region, such as a gallium and arsenic containing material or an indium and phosphorous containing material. The key consideration for this embodiment is to select the second laser diode with an operating wavelength that will not be substantially absorbed in the visible light emitting element of the composite wavelength converter member but will be absorbed in the IR emitting element of the composite wavelength converter member such that when the second laser diode is activated it will not substantially excite the visible light emission but will excite the IR emission. The result is that the first laser diode member primarily activates the first wavelength converter member to generate visible light and the second laser diode member primarily activates the second wavelength converter to generate IR light. Since the IR emission with the third peak wavelength would be emitted from the same surface and spatial location as the visible emission with the first and second peak wavelengths, the IR emission would be easily directed into the same optical pathway as the white light emission with the first and second peak wavelengths. The IR emission and white light emission could then be directed through the optional beam shaper configured to direct the output light for illuminating a target of interest. In this embodiment the first and second driving current could be activated independently such that the apparatus could provide a visible light source with only the first driving current activated, an IR light source with the second driving current activated or could simultaneously provide both a visible and IR light source. In some applications it would be desirable to only use the IR illumination source for IR detection. Once an object is detected with the IR illumination, the visible light source can be activated to visibly illuminate the target.

The benefit to this version of the stacked wavelength converter configuration is that since the first laser diode would be excited by a first drive current and the second laser diode would be excited by a second drive current the first and second wavelength converter members could be activated independently such that the dual band light emitting source could provide a visible light source with only the first driving current activated, an IR light source with only the second driving current activated, or could simultaneously provide both a visible and IR light source with both the first and second drive currents activated. It is to be understood that the visible light emission from the from the first wavelength converter member may at least partially excite IR emission from the second wavelength converter member. In this case, the source may simultaneously emit both visible and IR emission when the visible light is activated. Thus, for dual emission of both the visible light and the IR emission, in one embodiment according to the present invention only the first gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operating in the violet or blue region may be required. However, and very importantly, when the longer wavelength laser diode is activated to excite the IR emitting wavelength converter member, no substantial visible light would be emitted. This would enable IR illumination of a target without revealing the presence of the illumination source. In some applications it would be desirable to only use the IR illumination source for IR detection. Once an object was detected, the visible light source could be activated.

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram for a laser based white light source containing a gallium and nitrogen containing violet or blue pump laser configured to excite a wavelength converting element to generate a white light emission, and an IR emitting laser diode configured to pump an IR wavelength converting element to generate an IR emission according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16 , a blue or violet laser device formed from a gallium and nitrogen containing material emitting a spectrum with a center point wavelength between 390 and 480 nm is provided. In some embodiments the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode operates in the 480 nm to 540 nm range. In some embodiments the laser diode is comprised from a III-nitride material emitting in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of about 270 nm to about 390 nm. The light from the violet or blue laser device is incident on a wavelength converting element that is comprised of both a visible emitting element and an IR emitting element, which could be configured in a stacked or composite arrangement. The visible wavelength converter element, such as a phosphor, partially or fully converts the blue light into a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light such that a white light spectrum is produced. In some embodiments the blue light from the laser diode and/or the visible light from the visible emitting wavelength converter member could excite the IR emitting phosphor to generate an IR illumination. A laser driver is provided which powers the gallium and nitrogen containing laser device. A second laser diode is included. The second laser diode operates with a peak wavelength that is longer than the visible emission from the first wavelength converter member, but shorter than the peak wavelength of the IR emitting wavelength converter member. A second laser driver is configured to drive the second laser diode member. The output electromagnetic emission from the second laser diode member is configured to preferentially excite the IR emitting phosphor member without substantially exciting the visible phosphor member. In some embodiments, one or more beam shaping optical elements may be provided in order to shape or focus the white light and the IR emission spectrums. In a preferred embodiment, the IR illumination and the white light illumination emission share at least a common beam shaping element such that the illumination areas of the visible light and the IR light can be approximately super-imposed. Optionally, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be one selected from slow axis collimating lens, fast axis collimating lens, aspheric lens, ball lens, total internal reflector (TIR) optics, parabolic lens optics such as parabolic reflectors, refractive optics, or a combination of above. In other embodiments, the one or more beam shaping optical elements can be disposed prior to the laser light incident to the wavelength converting element.

In some embodiments the visible and/or IR emission from the light source are coupled into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber, which could be a glass optical fiber or a plastic optical fiber. The optical fiber of an arbitrary length, including a single mode fiber (SMF) or a multi-mode fiber (MMF), with core diameters ranging from about 1 um to 10 um, about 10 um to 50 um, about 50 um to 150 um, about 150 um to 500 um, about 500 um to 1 mm, about 1 mm to 5 mm or greater than 5 mm. The optical fiber is aligned with a collimation optics member to receive the collimated white light and/or IR emission.

The resulting spectrum from the embodiment described in FIG. 16 according to the present invention would be comprised of a relatively narrow band (about 0.5 to 3 nm) emission spectrum from the gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode in the UV or blue wavelength region, a broadband (about 10 to 100 nm) wavelength converter emission in the visible spectrum with a longer peak wavelength than the UV or blue laser diode, a relatively narrow band (about 1 to 10 nm) emission from the second laser diode with a peak wavelength longer than the peak wavelength of the visible emitting phosphor, and a relatively broadband (about 10 to 100 nm) wavelength converter emission in the IR spectrum with a longer peak wavelength than the peak emission wavelength from the second laser diode. Of course, there can be many other configurations of the present invention, including different wavelength emitting gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes, different wavelength emitting visible phosphor member, and different wavelength emitting IR phosphor members. For example, the IR emitting phosphor member could emit a peak wavelength of between 700 nm and 3 um.

In preferred embodiments according to the present invention, the wavelength converter element is comprised of one or more phosphor members. Such phosphor members can be implemented in solid body form such as single crystal phosphor element, a ceramic element, or a phosphor in a glass, or could be in a powder form wherein the powder is bound by a binder material. There is a wide range of phosphor chemistries to select from to ensure the proper emission and performance properties. Moreover, such phosphor members can be operated in several architectural arrangements such as a reflective mode, a transmissive mode, a hybrid mode, or any other mode.

FIG. 17 is a simplified block diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with an embodiment. The system may include a smart light with the same or similar features as other embodiments described herein. The example in this figure includes a laser driving unit (LDU), multifunction modules, illumination units, and dongles.

The LDU may be configured to power and manage bidirectional communications with the multifunction modules. The power may be provided to the multifunction modules over ethernet (PoE) in some embodiments.

The multifunction modules provide visible light illumination (e.g., via white or yellow light) and LiFi communications. The illumination units each include a LiFi transceiver and may include other illumination sources configured to provide other functions such as sensing, LIDAR, IR illumination, night vision, sterilization, and the like.

Multiple multifunction modules can be managed by a unique LDU and may be located either on the LDU side and optically coupled to the illumination unit using an optical fiber, or the multifunction modules may be combined with the illumination units and communication with the LDU may be achieved through an ethernet cable or the equivalent.

The dongles are configured to electrically couple to an electronic device such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer for storing and processing data. Alternatively, the dongles may be integrated with the electronic device. Each dongle includes a transceiver with a detector (e.g., a photodiode, amplifier, and circuitry for signal processing) to receive downlink LiFi signals from the illumination units and translate the LiFi signals to electronic signals for the coupled electronic device. The transceiver also translates communication data from the electronic device and provides uplink LiFi signals to one or more of the illumination units. The uplink LiFi signals may be provided by a laser or an LED in, for example, a UV, visible, or IR wavelength range. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter may be configured to transmit the communication data over conventional RF frequencies. In some embodiments, the dongle may only be configured with a receiver to receive the downlink LiFi signals or a transmitter to transmit uplink LiFi signals.

FIG. 18 is a simplified block diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with another embodiment. The LDU in this example includes a network switch (e.g., an ethernet switch) with one or more ports for connecting to a network (e.g., a local area network (LAN)) for data communications and one or more expansion ports that may be used for routing uplink data to additional systems. The network switch may be configured to distribute bi-directional switched communications to upstream and downstream devices. The network switch may also provide power to downstream powered devices via power over ethernet (PoE). Management controls may allow for port and data configuration and control.

A microcontroller unit (MCU) may provide a command-and-control interface between an external host and the laser based white light system. The MCU may receive commands over a LAN or individual serial command lines via various formats and protocols (e.g., RS-232, RS-485, CAN, TCP/IP, and the like). Commands from the external host may control functions and attributes of the laser based white light system (e.g., lighting, data, power, and the like) and/or individual downstream devices. External commands may be decoded, and relevant commands issued to devices within the laser based white light system. Commands can also be issued to expansion systems coupled to the LDU. Some controls of the laser based white light system may be autonomous (e.g., dropping power at high temperature events). Status and requests from downstream devices can be sent to the host system or expansion systems. A touchscreen (e.g., a liquid crystal display) may be communicatively coupled to the MCU to facilitate functions such as testing, troubleshooting, and control, as well as displaying system status.

The LDU may include a power supply that receives AC and/or DC power. The power supply may regulate and distribute specific DC voltages required by the laser based white light system and PoE circuitry. The power supply may also provide power holdup during disruptions. The LDU may also include other accessories and components to monitor and control operating conditions of the laser based white light system (e.g., temperature, fans, power, and the like).

In this example, features of the multifunction modules and the illumination units shown in FIG. 17 are combined to provide multifunction illumination units. The multifunction illumination units may each be coupled to the LDU via a network cable (e.g., an ethernet cable) that transmits data communications and power. The multifunction illumination units may receive PoE and include one or more laser light sources and LiFi transceivers. The LiFi transceivers convert downlink electrical communication signals (e.g., ethernet signals) into downlink optical signals (e.g., IR or visible light) using various modulation techniques as described more fully below. The multifunction illumination units may also generate white light illumination and/or provide other functionality. The LiFi transceivers may also have a detector (e.g., a photodiode detector) configured to receive uplink optical signals and convert the optical signals to electrical signals. The detectors may be tuned to receive a specific wavelength or to receive multiple wavelengths to provide multiple communication channels.

The dongle transceivers may be external to or embedded within the electronic devices. The dongle transceivers may use similar techniques to the LiFi transceivers to convert received downlink optical signals into downlink electrical signals and may include connectors (e.g., USB connectors) to interface with the electronic devices. Power may be drawn from the connector port or can be externally provided. Similarly, the dongle transceivers may include one or more laser light sources that are used to convert uplink electrical communication signals received from the electronic devices into uplink optical signals (e.g., IR or visible light) using various modulation techniques. The uplink optical signals are emitted by the dongle transceivers and received by the LiFi transceivers and converted to uplink electrical signals (e.g., ethernet signals) that may be processed and transmitted to the network via the network switch. The uplink optical signals may be the same or a different wavelength from the downlink optical signals.

According to some embodiments, the laser light sources in the LiFi transceivers and dongle transceivers can be used in communications systems. In one example, a visible light communication (VLC) system such as a LiFi system may be configured so that at least one spectral component of the electromagnetic radiation in the light source is modulated to encode data such that the electromagnetic radiation is transmitting data. In some examples, a portion of the visible spectrum is modulated, and in other examples a non-visible source such as an IR or UV source is modulated for communication. The modulation pattern or format could be a digital format or an analog format that may be received by an object or device. In some embodiments, communication could be executed using a spatial patterning of the light emission from the laser based system. In an alternative embodiment, the shape or divergence angle of the emission beam may be changed to a spotlight from a diffuse light or vice versa using a micro-display or a tunable lens such as a liquid crystal lens. In yet another embodiment, the color of the light could be changed from a cool white to a warm white, or even to a single color such as red, green, blue, or yellow, etc.

In general, laser spectra full widths at half max (FWHM) are very narrow. Blue LEDs typically have FWHMs of 20 nm or more. The narrow width of laser spectra is advantageous in that narrow notch filters can be used to separate the laser spectrum from that emitted by a wavelength conversion material. More importantly, such narrow spectra allow for a type of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) where the multifunction illumination units include a light engine with one or more laser sources illuminating a phosphor. The multifunction illumination units then emit a spectrum consisting of the broad phosphor emission plus the emission from the one or more lasers wherein multiple lasers could have slightly different wavelengths and be used as separate communication channels. As an example, the receiver for such a light engine could include multiple detectors, each with a “notch” or “band-pass” filter corresponding to the various wavelengths of light in the spectrum. Each detector in the receiver collects light from a corresponding laser provided in the light engine, and due to the narrowness of the laser light spectrum, there is minimal interference between the laser sources and minimal loss of the laser power at the corresponding detector due to the notch-filters. Such a configuration is advantageous in that it increases the bandwidth of the light engine proportionally to the number of laser devices. In other embodiments, a single detector can be used with a dynamic filtering function that sequentially tunes each wavelength communication channel.

It is to be understood that the light engine is not limited to a specific number of laser devices. In a specific embodiment, the light engine includes a single laser device acting as a “pump” light-source, and which may be a laser diode device emitting at a center wavelength between 390 nm and 480 nm. Herein, a “pump” light-source is a laser diode device that illuminates a wavelength converting element such that a part or all laser light from the laser diode device is converted into longer wavelength light by the wavelength converting element. The spectral width of the pump light-source is preferably less than 2 nm, although widths up to 20 nm or more may be acceptable in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the light engine consists of two or more laser “pump” light-sources, with at least one of the sources emitting at a center wavelength between 380 nm and 480 nm, and the center wavelengths of individual pump light sources separated by at least 5 nm. The spectral width of the laser light source is preferably less than 2 nm, though widths up to 75% of the center wavelength separation may be acceptable in some embodiments. The pump light source may illuminate a phosphor which absorbs the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. Each pump light source may be individually addressable, such that they may be operated independently of one another and act as independent communication channels.

Encoding information for communication by the laser light can be accomplished through a variety of methods. Most basically, the intensity of the laser diode device could be varied to produce an analog or digital representation of an audio signal, video image, picture, or any other type of information. An analog representation could be one where the amplitude, frequency, or variation of the laser diode device intensity is proportional to a value of the original analog signal.

The above description focuses primarily on the direct modulation of the laser diode source itself, but in other embodiments, separate elements are included to perform the modulation of the carrier signal. These separate elements include electroabsorption modulators (EAMs), which rely on the preferential absorption of the carrier signal with reverse bias, or Mach-Zhender Interferometers (MZI). The benefits of EAM and MZI modulators include higher modulation rates and negative chirp. The separate modulation elements could be monolithically integrated on the same chip as the laser diode and connected by a waveguide using any number of integration schemes, or discretely included as separated chip where the optical output of the laser diode is coupled to the modulator. This could be accomplished with free-space coupling, with fiber coupling, or using optics. In some embodiments, the laser diode and modulator are formed on the same carrier wafer using an epitaxial transfer technology described herein to form gallium and nitrogen containing laser diodes.

The carrier signal from the laser based light source in this smart lighting system can be modulated in any available modulation format to transmit data with visible light communication (VLC) or LiFi. For example, the modulation can be amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM). Common AM modulation schemes include double-sideband modulation (DSB), double-sideband modulation with carrier (DSB-WC) (used on the AM radio broadcasting band), double-sideband suppressed-carrier transmission (DSB-SC), double-sideband reduced carrier transmission (DSB-RC), single-sideband modulation (SSB, or SSB-AM), single-sideband modulation with carrier (SSB-WC), single-sideband modulation suppressed carrier modulation (SSB-SC), vestigial sideband modulation (VSB or VSB-AM), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Similarly, common digital FM modulation techniques are based on keying including PSK (phase-shift keying) where a finite number of phases are used, FSK (frequency-shift keying) where a finite number of frequencies are used, ASK (amplitude-shift keying) where a finite number of amplitudes are used, and QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) where a finite number of at least two phases and at least two amplitudes are used. There are several variations of each of these listed digital modulation techniques, which can be used with the embodiments described herein. The most common variant of ASK is simple on-off keying (OOK). Additional modulation schemes include continuous phase modulation (CPM) methods, minimum-shift keying (MSK), Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK), continuous-phase frequency-shift keying (CPFSK), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete multitone (DMT), including adaptive modulation and bit-loading, and wavelet modulation.

Digital encoding is common encoding scheme where the data to be transmitted is represented as numerical information and the laser diode intensity is varied in a way that corresponds to the various values of the information. As an example, the laser diode may be turned fully on and off with the on and off states correlated to binary values, or the laser diode may be turned to a high intensity state and a low intensity state that represent binary values. The latter may enable higher modulation rates as the turn-on delay of the laser diode may be avoided. The laser diode may be operated at some base level of output with a small variation in the output representing the transmitted data superimposed on the base level of output. The small variation may be in the form of discrete changes in output that represent one or more bits of data. For example, two levels may be used, representing a single binary digit or bit. The levels may be separated by some difference in light output.

Return to zero (RZ) and non return to zero (NRZ) protocols are common variants of OOK digital encoding formats. Another encoding scheme is to encode binary values into the rising or falling edge of a change in the light intensity between a low and high value. For example, Manchester phase encoding (MPE) could be used, where binary values are represented by a rising or falling of the signal intensity between two levels at a particular point in the cycle of a master clock or timing signal. This can be extended to differential MPE, where a binary value is transmitted by either leaving the signal at the beginning of the nth clock cycle the same as the previous cycle or changing the signal level. There is, then, only one signal level change per clock cycle such that the average period of the signal change can be used to keep in sync with the master clock. Another example encoding scheme is non-return-to-zero inverted (NRZI), where the signal levels representing ones and zeros switch to be opposite that of a previous cycle. This ensures a signal level change occurs only at the edges of master clock cycles. Of course, any of these encoding schemes could be expanded to include multiple amplitude levels as in, for example, pulsed amplitude modulation where various combinations of the timing of a signal transition in the master clock cycle as well as the signal amplitude are used to encode multiple bits of data.

An alternative is to superimpose a periodic signal on the base level, a sine or cosine for example, and then encode binary values by shifting one or more of the amplitude, frequency, or phase of the signal. This is equivalent to amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), and phase modulation in radio transmission encoding schemes. Another alternative is to combine multiple periodic signals of the same period but out of phase and vary both the amplitude and phase shift between the two signals such that combinations of amplitude and phase shift represent various combinations of bit values. For example, a system with two values of amplitude and phase shift could encode a two-bit binary sequence (i.e., 00, 01, 10, 11). Other encoding schemes are possible. Superimposing a small signal on a base level of output has the advantage that the time average power of the small signal relative to the base level can be kept at or near zero such that the apparent brightness to the eye of the emitter will be dominated by the base level of output rather than the signal. In the PWM encoding scheme or any scheme where the emitter is modulated over a significant portion of its output range, the apparent brightness of the device will vary depending on the data transmitted (e.g., transmitting all zeros or all ones will lead to an emitter that is either mostly on or off). In other embodiments, coherent detection schemes are used to detect the data stream from the laser based systems.

Multiplexing may be used to combine multiple analog message signals or digital data streams into a single signal over a shared medium. In an embodiment, multiple laser light sources may be combined such that individual signals from the plurality of light sources can be differentiated at the receiver. One method of this would be wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). As mentioned in previously described embodiments, multiple laser light sources may be combined in a single light engine with center wavelengths separated sufficiently so that narrow, optical band-pass or “notch” filters can be used at the receiver to filter out light at wavelengths not corresponding to an individual laser device.

In an example embodiment, a light engine may contain 3 blue lasers acting as pump light sources emitting spectra with FWHMs of 2 nm and center wavelengths of 440, 450, and 460 nm. These pump light sources illuminate a wavelength converting element which absorbs part of the pump light and reemits a broader spectrum of longer wavelength light. The light engine is configured such that light from both the wavelength converting element and the plurality of light sources is emitted from the light engine. Each pump light source may be independently addressable and controlled by a laser driver module configured to generate pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 to 500 MHz, 500 MHz to 5 GHz, 5 GHz to 20 GHz, or greater than 20 GHz. The data transfer bandwidth of the light engine may be three times larger than that of a light engine with one laser pump light source. A properly configured receiver may receive data independently and simultaneously on the 440, 450, and 460 nm communication channels. For example, a receiver may detect signals using three photodetectors capable of measuring pulse-modulated light signals at a modulation frequency range of about 50 MHz to 300 MHz, 300 MHz to 5 GHz, 5 GHz to 20 GHz, or greater than 20 GHz. The light entering each photodetector is filtered by a narrow band-pass filter (band pass width less than 10 nm) and center wavelength centered on the emitted wavelength of either 440, 450, or 460 nm. It should be understood that this example should not be limiting of the number of blue pump laser devices or their distribution of center point wavelengths. For example, in a specific embodiment the device may have 2, 3, 4, 5, or more pump light sources with center point wavelengths spanning the range of 400 nm to 470 nm. In alternative embodiments, the device may have 6 or more, 12 or more, 100 or more, or 1000 or more laser diode pump light sources, where some or all of the laser diode devices could be operated as a discrete communication channel to scale the aggregate bandwidth of the laser based system.

In an embodiment, multiplexing may be achieved by varying the polarization direction of light emitted from two or more laser light sources. Light emitted from a laser can be highly polarized, such that multiple lasers in a light engine may be configured such that when emitted from the light engine, separate data communication channels have different polarization directions. A receiver with polarization filters may distinguish signals from the channels and thereby increase the bandwidth of the transmission.

Embodiments described herein may be used in a number applications including spotlighting, detection, imaging, projection display, spatially dynamic lighting devices, LIDAR, LiFi, visible light communication, general lighting, commercial lighting and display, automotive lighting, automotive communication and/or detection, defense and security, search and rescue, industrial processing, internet communications, agriculture or horticulture, purification of water, purification of air, cleaning of surfaces, sterilization, and disinfection.

FIG. 19 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with an embodiment. This system may include a smart light with the same or similar features as other embodiments described herein. In this example, an LDU is coupled to multifunction illumination units that are mounted above a ceiling. The LDU may be located remote from the multifunction illumination units. Each multifunction illumination unit is mounted above an opening in the ceiling so that illumination light and/or LiFi signals can be emitted into an area (e.g., a room) below. In some embodiments, the visible light illumination may be dynamically adjustable so that it can be provided, for example, in different colors, intensities, and shapes using known filtering and optical techniques. Each multifunction illumination unit may include one or more laser sources used to provide the illumination light and the LiFi signals, as well as other functions such as sensing, LIDAR, IR illumination, night vision, and/or sterilization. For example, the multifunction illumination units may be configured to provide at least one of depth sensing, object sensing, motion sensing, or occupancy sensing. This functionality may be used, for example, to determine if a user is within an illumination area of a laser source. The multifunction illumination units may also include heat sinks and fans for temperature control.

In this example, a laptop or mobile device is positioned below one of the openings to receive the LiFi signals from one of the multifunction illumination units. A dongle transceiver is coupled to the laptop or mobile device to facilitate bi-directional LiFi communications. A coverage area of the communication light may be adjustable to provide LiFi communications to one or more users or to specific areas. Some embodiments may include overlap in coverage areas to provide users uninterrupted connectivity as they move to areas covered by different multifunction illumination units. The laser based system may be configured so that each multifunction illumination unit provides point-to-point communications with a single dongle transceiver over a single channel. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that each multifunction illumination unit provides point-to-multipoint communications with multiple dongle transceivers over multiple channels.

The example shown in FIG. 19 may be representative, for example, of an airplane, bus, train, car, home, office, or the like where users are seated below an overhead lighting system. The embodiments described herein may also be used in other applications, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications where LiFi communications are provided between headsets and other devices in the system, and in underwater applications between various devices.

FIG. 20 is a simplified block diagram of a multifunction illumination unit in accordance with an embodiment. Some of the modules and functionality of the multifunction illumination unit include a control and regulation module and a hardware controller module. An illumination driver is coupled with one or more laser diodes to provide illumination light, and an IR data driver is coupled with one or more lasers to provide a downlink carrier signal. A detector is configured to receive uplink carrier signals.

FIG. 21 is a simplified diagram of a LiFi communications system in accordance with an embodiment. In this example, a network switch such as an ethernet switch controls data traffic to LiFi access points. The network switch may be used rather than a HUB or splitter because the incoming data rate may not be packetized for specific downstream data rates (e.g., 2.5 GbS or 5 GbS). The network switch can parse and direct the data to appropriate ports.

Each LiFi access point may maintain and build on a MAC table as more LiFi dongles interface with the LiFi access point, allowing the network switch to direct packets to LiFi dongles that may be connected. Separate communications with each LiFi dongle can be managed at the network switch. A Layer 2 managed network switch may be used to provide virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging and Quality of Service (QOS) features. A Layer 3 managed network switch may be used to provide increased security and separate sub-networks.

FIG. 22 is a simplified block diagram of a dongle transceiver in accordance with an embodiment. The dongle transceiver in this example includes a processor module for DSP and baseband processing. A bridge (e.g., ethernet to USB bridge or the like) is provided to interface with an electronic device via a connector such as a USB connector. The processor module provides baseband transmit signals to a transmission modulator that includes circuitry to drive one or more associated laser devices. The processor module receives baseband receive signals from a receive detector that may provide amplification and other signal processing.

FIG. 23 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment, multifunction modules are remote from illumination units. Illumination light and downlink carrier signals generated by the multifunction modules are carried by a waveguide such as a fiber to corresponding illumination units. Uplink carrier signals received by the illumination units are carried by the waveguide to the multifunction modules. An LDU provides functions and features as described previously.

FIG. 24 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system configured for communications in accordance with an embodiment. This example is similar to FIG. 19 , except like FIG. 23 , the multifunction modules are remote from the illumination units. Carrier signals are transmitted between the multifunction modules and corresponding illumination units by a waveguide such as a fiber.

FIG. 25 is a simplified diagram of a laser based white light system implemented in a home in accordance with an embodiment. In this example, illumination units in various rooms in the home are configured to provide illumination and communication and an LDU is positioned remotely. The illumination units may be multifunction illumination units as described previously with power and optical signals transmitted from the LDU. Alternatively, the LDU may include multifunction modules, and carrier signals may be transmitted between the multifunction modules and corresponding illumination units by a waveguide such as a fiber. Electronic devices such as laptop computers or cell phones include dongle transceivers to enable LiFi communications. It should be appreciated that FIG. 25 is merely an example implementation of a laser based white light system. Implementations in accordance with the embodiments described herein are not limited and may include airplanes, cars, offices, factories, hospitals, streetlights, terraces, and the like.

While the above is a full description of the specific embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be used. As an example, the packaged device can include any combination of elements described above, as well as outside of the present specification. Although the embodiments above have been described in terms of a laser diode, the methods and device structures can also be applied to other stimulated light emitting devices. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention which is defined by the appended claims. 

1. A communication module configured for white light illumination and communication, the communication module comprising: a laser driving unit (LDU); one or more multifunction illumination units each electrically coupled to the LDU with an electrical connection and configured to transmit both electrical power and data, each of the one or more multifunction illumination units comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a first peak wavelength; a wavelength converter configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength and convert at least a fraction of the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength, and to generate the white light illumination comprising at least the second peak wavelength; an infrared (IR) laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a third peak wavelength; and a laser driver coupled to the IR laser diode and configured to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the data, wherein each of the one or more multifunction illumination units are configured to transmit the data over an IR channel using the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the third peak wavelength.
 2. The communication module of claim 1, wherein the first peak wavelength is in a violet or blue wavelength range of between about 400 nm to 480 nm.
 3. The communication module of claim 1, wherein the third peak wavelength is in an IR wavelength range of between about 700 nm to 1100 nm, about 1100 nm to 2500 nm, or about 2500 nm to 15000 nm.
 4. The communication module of claim 1, wherein the one or more multifunction illumination units are configured to use the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength to transmit the data.
 5. The communication module of claim 1, wherein the IR laser diode is indium and phosphor containing.
 6. The communication module of claim 1, wherein the IR laser diode is gallium and arsenic containing.
 7. The laser based white light system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more multifunction illumination units are also configured for at least one of sensing, LIDAR, IR illumination, night vision, or sterilization applications.
 8. The laser based white light system of claim 1, wherein the IR laser diode is also configured for at least one of sensing, LIDAR, or sterilization applications.
 9. The laser based white light system of claim 1, wherein the one or more multifunction illumination units are also configured for at least one of depth sensing, object sensing, motion sensing, or occupancy sensing.
 10. The laser based white light system of claim 1, wherein the LDU is coupled to a power source and configured to provide power over ethernet (PoE) to the one or more multifunction illumination units.
 11. The laser based white light system of claim 1, wherein the one or more multifunction illumination units also include an optical receiver comprising a photodiode configured to receive optical signals and convert the optical signals into electrical signals. 12.-20. (canceled)
 21. A communication module configured for white light illumination and communication, the communication module comprising: a laser driving unit (LDU); one or more multifunction modules each electrically coupled to the LDU with an electrical connection and configured to transmit both electrical power and data, each of the one or more multifunction modules comprising: a gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a first peak wavelength; a wavelength converter configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength and convert at least a fraction of the electromagnetic radiation characterized by the first peak wavelength to at least a second peak wavelength that is longer than the first peak wavelength, and to generate the white light illumination comprising at least the second peak wavelength; and an infrared (IR) laser diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation characterized by a third peak wavelength; one or more illumination units optically coupled to each of the one or more multifunction modules by a waveguide, the one or more illumination units configured to emit the white light illumination and transmit the data over an IR channel using the electromagnetic radiation characterized by a third peak wavelength.
 22. The communication module of claim 21, wherein the waveguide is a fiber or fiber bundle, and the one or more illumination units are located remote from the one or more multifunction modules.
 23. The communication module of claim 21, wherein the one or more illumination units each include a receiver configured to receive optical signals and transmit the optical signals to the multifunction modules, the multifunction modules configured to convert the optical signals into electrical signals.
 24. A laser based white light system configured for illumination and communication, comprising: a laser driving unit (LDU) having a network switch; a plurality of multifunction illumination units coupled to the LDU, each of the plurality of multifunction illumination units having a first laser source and a first detector, the first laser source including at least one first laser diode device comprising gallium and nitrogen and configured to provide white light illumination, and at least one second laser diode device configured to provide first optical signals, wherein the LDU is coupled to a network and configured to receive downlink data over the network and the network switch is configured to direct the downlink data to the plurality of multifunction illumination units, and the plurality of multifunction illumination units are configured to convert the downlink data to the first optical signals and emit the white light illumination and the first optical signals; and a plurality of transceivers each having a second laser source and a second detector, the second laser source including at least one third laser diode device configured to provide second optical signals at the IR wavelength, wherein the second detector of each transceiver is configured to receive the first optical signals from at least one of the plurality of multifunction illumination units and convert the first optical signals to the downlink data and provide the downlink data to a respective electronic device, and each transceiver is configured to receive uplink data from the respective electronic device and convert the uplink data to second optical signals and emit the second optical signals; wherein the first detector of each of the plurality of multifunction illumination units is configured to receive the second optical signals from at least one of the plurality of transceivers and convert the second optical signals to the uplink data and provide the uplink data to the network switch, and the network switch is configured to provide the uplink data to the network.
 25. The laser based white light system of claim 24, wherein the second laser diode device is gallium and nitrogen containing and configured to emit in a violet or blue wavelength range of between 400 nm to 480 nm; or wherein the second laser diode device is configured to provide the first optical signals in an infrared (IR) wavelength range of between about 700 nm to 1100 nm, about 1100 nm to 2500 nm, or about 2500 nm to 15000 nm.
 26. (canceled)
 27. The laser based white light system of claim 24, wherein each of the plurality of transceivers includes a USB connector for coupling with the respective electronic device.
 28. The laser based white light system of claim 24, wherein the first optical signals and the second optical signals have different center emission wavelengths; wherein the first optical signals are provided at different center emission wavelengths to provide multiple communication channels with one of the plurality of transceivers; or wherein the first optical signals are provided at different center emission wavelengths to provide multiple communication channels with multiple ones of the plurality of transceivers. 29.-30. (canceled)
 31. The laser based white light system of claim 24, wherein each of the plurality of multifunction illumination units is configured to generate one or more control signals to operate a driver to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the downlink data; or wherein each of the plurality of transceivers is configured to generate one or more control signals to operate a driver to generate a driving current and a modulation signal based on the uplink data.
 32. (canceled)
 33. The laser based white light system of claim 24, wherein the at least one second gallium and nitrogen containing laser diode device is includes an optical cavity comprising an optical waveguide region and one or more facet regions, wherein the optical cavity is configured with electrodes to supply a driving current based on control signals, wherein the driving current provides an optical gain to an electromagnetic radiation propagating in the optical waveguide region, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is outputted through at least one of the one or more facet regions as a directional electromagnetic radiation, wherein the directional electromagnetic radiation is modulated to carry the first optical signals using a modulation signal provided by the driver.
 34. The laser based white light system of claim 24, wherein the system is integrated with an airplane, bus, train, car, home, or office. 